Petchao.com is supported by readers, and when you buy something we recommend, we may get an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Read more here.
Annual dental cleanings may seem like a waste of money to some pet owners. But your dog’s oral health is just as important as yours. One of the best ways to guarantee your dog has optimal dental health and no hidden painful issues is to give them regular teeth cleanings. But how often does a dog need teeth cleaning? Read on to find out!
Do dogs really need to have their teeth cleaned?
Yes, dogs really need to have their teeth cleaned. Like us, our pets need healthy gum and teeth, so they require regular dental care. Proper dental care includes brushing their teeth at home and bringing them in for professional dental cleanings.
One study has shown that more than 80% of dogs over three years old develop the periodontal condition, and this disease occurs five times as often as it does in people.
Poor oral health can lead to many health problems. Unfortunately, many dogs develop dental disease by the age of 2-3 years. It can cause bleeding gums, mouth pain, and even tooth loss.
Again, dogs must have their teeth cleaned to be healthy. Read on to find out when and how often a dog needs teeth cleaning (bonus cheap and easy ways to help you take care of their teeth at home).
When should my dog have his first teeth cleaning?
This question has no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on the dog and how you take care of their oral health. So it’s best to consult with your veterinarian to know when your dog should have his first teeth cleaning.
Your dog must be fully grown and in good health before undergoing anesthesia. In general, 2-3 years old is the ideal age for the first cleaning at the veterinary clinic.
How often does a dog need teeth cleaning? How often should dogs get their teeth cleaned by vet?
To prevent serious dental disease, dogs should have their teeth cleaned at home at least once a week and have their teeth cleaned by a veterinarian once a year.
Here are the main factors that influence your dog’s dental cleaning schedule:
Age
As you might be able to guess, older dogs require more dental care than younger dogs, and this is because time, diet, and eating habits all contribute to oral decay.
If your dog is over seven years of age, it’s always a good idea to have annual checks with your veterinarian to ensure their teeth and gums are healthy.
Breed and size
Small dogs typically need more frequent dental cleanings than larger dogs. But although larger dogs don’t have dental problems like small ones, they are more prone to broken or fractured teeth due to their strong chewing habits.
Daily maintenance and routine care
How often your dog should get their teeth cleaned by vet also depends a lot on at-home dental care.
For example, if your dog gets regular brushing and bone chewing, they will need far less dental care than dogs that don’t get this type of care and maintenance.
Diet
If you give your dog dry food or a dental diet, he will need less professional cleanings. Also, if your dog isn’t a chewer and eats mainly soft food, he may need more.
Many people recommend feeding dogs a raw diet with raw bones to improve the dog’s oral health. Even if you don’t feed your dog raw, you can still give him raw vegetables as snacks and treats, which are great for daily crunching.
Related post: Is a Raw Diet Good for Dogs?
Dog teeth cleaning without anesthesia. How can I clean my dog’s teeth without brushing?
By the age of 6 to 7 months, most dogs have all of their adult teeth. This is the perfect time to start at-home dental care. The sooner you do, the easier it will be for both you and your furry friend!
Here are 3 easy ways to keep your dog’s teeth clean at home:
1. Brush their teeth regularly with delicious toothpaste
Teeth brushing is the foundation of good oral health for all dogs and humans! It is best to brush their teeth daily. But if you’re too busy for that, make sure they get their teeth brushed at least once a week.
You will need a specifically-designed dog toothbrush and a tasty doggy toothpaste. In fact, it takes less time than you think to establish a regular teeth cleaning schedule at home, and it will go a long way toward keeping your dog’s teeth clean.
However, if regular brushing isn’t an option that fits your schedule, try alternatives like dental water additives. You can find a range of dental care products that can be added to their drinking water.
2. Create a diet for better oral health
Do carrots clean dogs teeth? The answer is yes. Crunchy, nutrient-rich foods like raw carrots, green beans, and celery are good for dogs’ oral health. In fact, celery can freshen a dog’s breath.
3. Nibble on dog dental chews
Dog dental chews are a great way to keep your dog’s teeth clean. These chews come in many different sizes and shapes. It is made to reduce plaque and tartar while polishing their teeth to a sparkling shine.
When picking a dental chew, check for artificial colors and other possibly dangerous substances in the ingredient list to avoid “bad” products.
Related post: How to Clean Dog Teeth Without Brushing at Home?
Conclusion
The main factors that influence your dog’s dental cleaning schedule include age, breed and size, daily maintenance and routine care, and diet.
To prevent serious dental disease, dogs should have their teeth cleaned at home at least once a week and have their teeth cleaned by a veterinarian once a year.
If your dog gets good at-home dental care, he will need far less dental care from veterinarians than other dogs. Here are 3 easy ways to keep your furry friend’s teeth clean at home:
- Brush their teeth regularly with delicious toothpaste
- Create a diet for better oral health
- Nibble on dog dental chews
Do you have any tips for cleaning a dog’s teeth? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
Whatever your dog’s breed is, training is a must if you want to eliminate bad behavior and create the obedient, well-behaved dog of your dreams. You can choose suitable online classes from these 20 reputable SpiritDog Training courses to learn how to “successfully” train your canine using science-based positive methods, or grab the free guide below.
Readers also liked:
