Taking care of your dog’s teeth is very important for keeping them healthy and pain-free. People who have pets don’t always know when the best time is to take them to the dentist. Because they can’t tell us, it’s easy to miss the signs that your pet’s mouth hurts.

If you notice small changes in their breath, the way they eat, or how they act, it could mean that their teeth are in trouble. If you know these signs, you can act quickly to avoid big problems and get dental care for pets. In this blog, we’ll talk about some clear signs that your pet needs to see a dentist.

When is the best time for your pet to see the vet?

Most pets need to have their teeth checked once a year

Most dogs and cats should see a professional for dental care once a year. Your pet’s teeth can have problems below the gum line, which makes it hard to see at home, even if they look fine. The vet looks for plaque buildup, gum disease, missing teeth, and other illnesses that are hard to see once a year.

Getting checkups early on can help you avoid pain and bigger health problems later on. Going to the vet is like getting your pet’s teeth checked once a year. Regular care once a year keeps teeth and gums clean and healthy and lowers the chance of needing costly treatments in the future.

Older pets need dental care more often

Most of the time, older pets need professional pet dental care in Norco every six months. As pets get older, their teeth get weaker, and gum disease spreads more quickly. You should keep a close eye on older pets because they may already be losing teeth, getting sick, or becoming sensitive.

Brushing their teeth often can help with pain and make eating easier. It’s also important to find problems early on because older pets take longer to heal. If your pet is eating less, moving more slowly, or avoiding hard foods, it may be because of problems with their teeth. Older pets stay healthy and calm when they go to the vet more often.

You should take your pet to the vet sooner if they have bad breath

If your pet always has bad breath, don’t wait until the yearly checkup. Bad smell is often the first sign of tooth decay. There might be a lot of plaque, gum disease, or teeth that are falling apart. You can avoid getting serious illnesses if you get good oral care as soon as you notice this smell.

Some people who own pets don’t care about their bad breath because they think it’s normal. No, it’s not. Getting treatment early can help them avoid pain and keep their teeth. A quick look at your pet’s teeth can often make a big difference in how healthy and happy they are.

Some breeds need more dental care than others

Some breeds need professional dental care for dogs more often because of the shape of their mouths or the number of teeth they have. Small dogs and pets with flat faces are more likely to have dental problems. Because their teeth are close together, plaque tends to stick to them. You might have to clean these pets’ teeth every six to nine months.

The vet can tell you the best plan based on the type and health of their mouth. Getting regular care from a vet can help these high-risk breeds avoid gum disease and tooth loss. You can plan better dental care for your pet if you know what risks come with their breed.

If your pet is in pain while eating, you need to help them right away

If your pet cries, drops food, chews on one side, or refuses to eat, call right away to make an appointment for dental care. These signs usually mean that their teeth are broken, infected, or hurting. If you wait, things could get worse and hurt more. Going to the dentist helps you find out what’s wrong and treat it safely.

Pets can hide their pain easily, so if they change how they eat, you should never ignore it. Pets feel better when they get care early, and it stops big problems from happening. When dogs have dental pain, it makes them unhappy, less likely to eat, and less happy in general.

If your pet has tartar on them

Take your pet to the vet if you see yellow or brown buildup on their teeth. You can’t get rid of hardened tartar at home with a toothbrush. Only a doctor can safely clean below the gum line. Tartar can lead to gum disease, infections, and tooth loss if you don’t get rid of it.

Making an appointment for dental care as soon as you see tartar will help keep your pet’s teeth healthy. Cleaning their teeth regularly also makes their next dentist visit easier and faster.  If your pet’s teeth are clean, it will eat better and feel better every day.

When pets are sick, they need more care

Pets with diabetes, heart disease, or a weak immune system often need to see the vet more often for animal dental care and oral surgery. If they have a dental infection, these problems can get worse. Veterinarians might say that these pets need to be professionally cleaned every six months.

Keeping their mouth clean makes it less likely that bad germs will get into their body. This protects important areas and makes them healthier overall. Talk to the vet about how often your pet should see the vet if they are sick. Getting the right dental care is a key part of safely managing long-term health issues.

Stick to the dental schedule your vet gives you

There is no one rule that works for all pets. When you should go to the dentist depends on their age, breed, health, and how they live their lives. The vet checks out your pet’s mouth and tells you when it’s time to take them to the vet. Some pets only need to be cleaned once a year, while others need to be cleaned more often.

Your pet will get the right care without having to go through any extra stress if you do what the vet says. A personalized dental plan can help your pet stay healthy, have fresh breath, and live a happy, pain-free life.

To sum up

It’s just as important to get your pet’s teeth cleaned as it is to have them vaccinated and checked out regularly. If you don’t take care of your pet’s teeth problems, they could get sick, hurt, or have other health problems that make their daily lives hard.

If you notice early signs and make sure your pet gets professional dental care on time, they will be happy and healthy for years to come. Regular trips to the dentist can also help you avoid needing costly treatments later on. If you come to us at Atlas Pet Hospital, we make sure your pet has a healthy smile and a happy life by giving them gentle dental care. We are pet dental specialists in Norco.