A problem a lot of pet owners in Chicago struggle with is how often they need to clean their dog’s teeth. We know that for human oral health we should be brushing our teeth for at the very least thirty seconds twice a day. We should ideally be brushing for two minutes three times a day with flossing included, but that is often excessive. Though flossing should definitely be part of a daily oral health routine.
For dogs, oral health is not too much different. The problem is that they can’t brush their own teeth. We are responsible for the dental health of our pets. This means we must give them the right food and provide care such as brushing their teeth once a week and taking them for dog teeth cleanings annually.
Luckily, there are many ways to keep a dog’s teeth clean on a daily basis.
How Often Should I Clean My Dog’s Teeth at Home in Chicago, IL?
We know we are supposed to brush our own teeth twice a day, but how often dogs must have their teeth brushed or cleaned depends on many factors. Some owners get away with never brushing their own dog’s teeth. An annual dental cleaning to the vet’s office in Chicago proves sufficient care.
Once a Week for Teeth Brushing
But many dogs, especially small dogs with compact mouths, must receive special attention. Small dogs are prone to teeth overcrowding which leads to extra build up of plaque, which ends up as tartar and gingivitis. Periodontal disease is very common to all dogs but the smaller the dog, the larger the dental problems. It is important to clean a small dog’s teeth at least once a week. Ideally this would be once a day.
Larger dogs can go longer between cleanings, but to be on the safe side should also have a weekly cleaning.
Dogs can get cleanings at the vet’s, but this is only every 6 months or once a year. And it requires anesthesia. This is not a solid option for maintaining dental health. It would be like us only having our teeth cleaned at the dentist and never brushing. That would mean a lot of decay and damage in between cleanings.
What to Use to Help Clean Your Dog’s Teeth
Now that you know, ideally, how often you should clean your dog’s teeth at home, it’s also important to know what you should or shouldn’t use to help do this.
Special Dog Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
Dogs can not use human toothpaste, as it has many canine poisons such as fluoride. But there is a special toothpaste made just for dogs. It has flavors such as peanut butter and chicken. And there are special doggy toothbrushes.
Dog Dental Chews and Toys
There are also dental chews and special toys that scrape and rub off plaque, which helps clean your dog’s teeth. It might seem counterproductive to give a dog peanut butter in a chew toy that is supposed to clean their teeth, but smearing a rubber bristled toy with a dab of peanut butter can help quite a bit. This stimulates saliva production which helps to get rid of food particles and kill bacteria that leads to plaque, tartar, and gingivitis.
The bristles on the toy work with the saliva to scrub off the plaque as the dog chews away the peanut butter. The treat also helps them stay focused on the toy. One dental toy brushing session can last for a half hour or more. That is a lot of dental health time, and a lot of reduced bacteria and plaque. To a dog, that is simply a great activity with a snack.
Every Day for General Teeth Cleaning
At home, we should be cleaning our dog’s teeth every day in one way or another. Daily oral health is the only way to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Without it, many problems could arise. It only takes a day or two for plaque to settle in and begin to cause damage.
How Often Should I Have My Dog’s Teeth Cleaned Professionally in Chicago, IL?
As important it is to keep up with cleaning your dog’s teeth at home, it’s equally as important to make sure you keep up with your dog having their teeth professionally cleaned.
Every 6 Months to 1 Year
Professional teeth cleaning by a veterinarian in Chicago, IL should happen every 6 months ideally but can be once annually. The more the merrier. However, if dental health is being kept up with at home, expensive cleanings that involve anesthesia might be unnecessary twice a year.
If you get an all-clear from your vet for only annual cleanings, or even less, your dog has great dental health.
Benefits of Keeping Your Dog’s Teeth Clean in Chicago, IL
It is much cheaper, less time consuming, and easier for everyone to take daily or weekly care of our pet’s dental health. When possible we should be using preventative care rather than inefficient post-care, or even emergency care. If a pet’s dental health is left to get worse and worse with no care, an emergency procedure may need to take place.
A good balance of preventative daily oral health care alongside annual professional dog teeth cleanings should be enough to provide lifelong dental health for a pet.
See a Vet for Any Questions about Cleaning Your Dog’s Teeth in Chicago, IL
Overall, it should be every day that our canine’s oral health is a priority. But sometimes this can be difficult, whether a dog refuses to allow their teeth to be brushed or there is not quite enough time in the day.
It should be a priority, however, to create a routine with our pets to ensure they are receiving some oral care once a day. This could be a chew toy, some dental treats, or an evening toothbrushing. Whatever way a dog allows their teeth to be taken care of, this should be established as a daily habit.
It’s also important to have your dog’s teeth cleaned professionally to make sure all of the plaque and tartar is fully removed from their teeth. At South Loop Animal Hospital in Chicago, we provide thorough dog teeth cleaning services to help prevent your dog from getting harmful diseases, such as gum disease. If your pet needs additional care to help with their dental health, we develop the best treatment plan possible so they can live a happy and healthy life with you.
