Ever Wondered If Your Dog’s Teeth Need Cleaning?
Let’s be real—how often do you check your dog’s teeth? If you’re like most owners, probably not as often as you should. I get it. We think, dogs in the wild don’t brush their teeth, so why should we worry? But here’s the truth: dog dental care is critical, and ignoring it can lead to major health problems.
Some people think feeding raw food, especially with bone, is enough to keep teeth clean. While that works for some, certain breeds—especially small dogs—are more prone to plaque and tartar buildup. If you ignore it, your dog could end up with gum disease, rotten roots, and painful infections.
Why Dog Dental Care Should Be a Priority
Taking care of your dog’s teeth isn’t just about avoiding bad breath. Dental disease can lead to serious health issues, including infections that affect the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Signs Your Dog’s Teeth Need Attention
Here are some red flags that your dog’s dental health needs help:
- Bad breath – More than just the usual “dog breath,” it’s foul-smelling.
- Visible plaque and tartar – That yellowish-brown gunk near the gum line.
- Goopy or irritated eyes – Believe it or not, dental issues can cause eye problems.
- Reluctance to eat or chew – If your dog avoids crunchy food or chews on one side, it might be in pain.
- Low energy or grumpiness – A dog with a toothache isn’t going to be their usual happy self.
Professional vs. Groomer Teeth Cleaning—Know the Difference
Not all dog dental care is the same. Groomers sometimes offer teeth cleaning, but they can only do light surface work. If your dog has serious plaque buildup or gum disease, only a vet can properly handle it.
Veterinary cleanings involve professional-grade scaling, and when necessary, tooth extractions under anesthesia to prevent pain and infection.
My Hard-Learned Lesson About Dog Dental Care
Let me tell you about Jozee, my Pomeranian. During the pandemic, my vet suggested a cleaning. I hesitated—$1,200 felt steep. Besides, her teeth looked okay.
Big mistake.
Over time, her teeth turned brown. Then came the awful breath, goopy eyes, and a dull coat. By the time I finally took her in for a teeth cleaning, 21 teeth had to be removed. One was so infected that the infection had started spreading into her nasal cavity.
See for yourself—I’ve attached pictures of Jozee’s teeth before and after her dental cleaning. It’s shocking how much damage was hiding beneath the surface! (All images courtesy of the Care Team at Peterborough West Animal Hospital).
Before & After: Jozee’s Teeth Pre- and Post-Surgery
These images show the real impact of delayed dental care.
📸 Before: In the upper photos, you can see the severe tartar buildup, inflamed gums, and hidden infections that were wreaking havoc on Jozee’s health. I didn’t realize just how bad things had gotten beneath the surface.
📸 After Surgery: This isn’t the “healed” version—it’s the immediate post-surgery look in the lower photos. You’ll notice the stitches where 21 teeth had to be removed. It’s tough to see, but it was necessary to stop the spread of infection. The road to healing is just beginning, but even now, her pain is gone, and she’s on her way to feeling better.
Let this be a reminder—if your dog’s teeth look anything like Jozee’s before picture, don’t wait. The earlier you act, the less invasive (and painful) the process will be.
What to Expect from a Vet Dental Cleaning
If your vet recommends a cleaning, here’s how it goes:
- Pre-exam & Bloodwork – Ensures your dog is healthy enough for anesthesia.
- Anesthesia – Keeps your dog still and comfortable for a thorough cleaning.
- Scaling & Polishing – The vet removes tartar above and below the gum line.
- Tooth Extraction (if needed) – Badly infected teeth are removed to stop further damage.
- Recovery – Most dogs bounce back fast, usually within 24-48 hours.
Common Myths About Dog Dental Care
1. “Raw Food Prevents Dental Issues”
- It helps some dogs, but not all. Some breeds still get tartar buildup no matter what they eat.
2. “Bad Breath is Normal”
- No, it’s not. Stinky breath usually means something is wrong.
3. “Anesthesia is Too Risky”
- When done by a vet, the risks are minimal—far lower than the risks of untreated dental disease.
How to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean at Home
While professional cleanings are essential, home care can prevent major issues. Here’s what you can do:
- Brush Your Dog’s Teeth – A few times a week is enough to make a difference.
- Use Dental Chews or Bones – These help scrape off plaque.
- Try Water Additives – Easy to use and can reduce bacteria buildup.
- Schedule Regular Vet Check-Ups – Make sure your vet checks those teeth at every visit.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Had I taken Jozee’s dog dental care more seriously earlier, she might not have lost half her teeth. Within two days of her surgery, she was back to her happy, energetic self—but the suffering before that could have been avoided.
Next time your vet suggests a dental cleaning, don’t put it off. It’s not just about shiny teeth; it’s about keeping your dog healthy, happy, and pain-free.
Dog dental care matters. Make it a priority.
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Enjoyed this read? For more no-nonsense insights on dog training and behavior, check out my earlier blogs:
• Dog Rescue in Costa Rica: How It’s Different from the West
• Street Dogs and Freedom: The Hidden Side of Canine Happiness
There’s always something new to learn, even if it’s just a different perspective on the everyday challenges we face. Happy reading!
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