Every pet is different, and so is the time frame they need their teeth cleaned. However, three signs indicate your four-legged friend would benefit from a professional pet dental cleaning.
Pet has persistent deciduous teeth.
Do you have a Chihuahua or Yorkie puppy that you’ve nicknamed Baby Shark not because of their penchant for gnawing on your fingers? If your 6 to 7 months old pet has persistent deciduous teeth, or baby teeth, that did not fall out when the adult teeth began to grow in, they need a professional dental cleaning now.
Those baby teeth in place can cause periodontal problems, such as trauma to the oral tissue and significant tartar accumulation. In addition to extractions, a complete dental cleaning also may be recommended because of tartar accumulation on the adult teeth that were positioned too close to the baby teeth.
Read More: Braces to Fix Your Dog’s Teeth
You notice lousy breath on your pet’s teeth.
While smaller breeds and pets with flat faces are more likely to develop early tartar accumulation, some larger species also can have the same problem. So, even if your pet is not three years old yet, which is the age when up to 85% of our furry friends have developed dental disease, they may already need a dental cleaning.
Flip your pet’s lip up and closely examine their teeth for yellow, brown, or gray plaque and tartar buildup. And, if your furry pal’s breath is worse than the typical doggy breath, they may have a hidden periodontal problem causing disease and necessitating a professional pet dental cleaning.
Your veterinarian tells you it’s time.
During your pet’s wellness visits, our veterinarians will examine their mouth for signs of dental disease and other oral issues. If they say your furry pal needs a dental cleaning, they are seeing painful gingivitis, disease-causing tartar, or other severe periodontal problems that require treatment.
Read More: How Many Teeth Should A Dog Have
