Dental hygiene for your dog is as important as it is for you. Contact a veterinarian clinic as soon as you can if your pet has any changes in their teeth or surrounding gum area. Just like in humans, pet’s teeth can often be the window to their internal organ functions. So if a tooth gets cracked from chewing on hard bones, sticks or even rocks, it can easily become infected. But that’s just the start.

If a tooth becomes infected, it can cause the cheek area of the dog to swell. While it can often be confused with a bite of some sort, swelling of the tissue around the tooth can indicate infection. In a case like this, if antibiotics don’t bring the swelling down, there may be a cracked and infected tooth to contend with. If left unchecked, it can lead to other issues with organs like the kidneys.

It’s always best to talk with a professional team at a veterinarian clinic when it comes to your pet’s health. Give us a call at East Valley Animal Hospital, and we’ll help you determine the best course of action for your dog’s dental care. In the meantime, here are a few general dental tips:

  • Be observant. Watch your pet when he’s chewing on hard objects like dental chews. We recommend staying away from bones to avoid cracking the teeth or your pet obtaining a foreign body. Make sure you give the teeth a good look when you’re brushing them or playing with your pet. Contact your veterinarian clinic if you spot anything that looks unusual.
  • Do your research. Whether it’s talking to your vet, speaking with friends or looking things up online, know the best way to brush your pet’s teeth and what you’ll need on hand.
  • Never give your pet human tooth paste as there are ingredients that can potentially contribute to significant illness.

Keeping your pet’s teeth healthy will help keep your pet healthy. Give our veterinarian clinic a call if you’d like to learn more about how to care for your pet’s teeth. At East Valley Animal Hospital, our staff takes dental care seriously, because we care about your pets as much as you do.