Category Archives: Canine Dental Health

Two Important Parts of Pet Healthcare: Dental Care and Spaying or Neutering

Care of the teeth is an important part of pet healthcare that many pet owners overlook. Read more about some important factors regarding pet care.

It may surprise you to learn that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats exhibit signs of periodontal (dental) disease by age 3. Care of the teeth is an important part of pet healthcare that many pet owners overlook. Despite the fact that veterinarians emphasize brushing your pet’s teeth, 65% of pet owners don’t follow through with this recommendation. By the time a dog reaches adulthood, it has 42 teeth, while an adult cat has 30 teeth. Fortunately, it’s not necessary to floss a dog’s teeth; brushing alone cleans 90% of the teeth’s surfaces.

Pet Healthcare: Spaying or Neutering Your Dog or Cat
In addition to dental care for your pet, you need to consider spaying or neutering to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The only foolproof method of contraception for dogs and cats is spaying and neutering. Thankfully, many owners understand that preventing animal overpopulation is crucial. The American Pet Products Association reports that from 2015 to 2016, pet owners had 90% of cats and 86% of dogs spayed or neutered. This is an important issue, since a dog can produce 2 litters annually, and most litters contain six to 10 puppies. A single female cat that has not been spayed can be responsible for nearly 5,000 kittens in a seven-year period. Many unwanted offspring end up in animal shelters.

SpayUSA.org states that your female dog or cat should be spayed before she has a first litter. Pregnancy can occur in cats and dogs when they are just five months old. To be on the safe side, you can have kittens or puppies spayed or neutered when they are just two months old.

Owning a dog or cat is a special responsibility. Pet owners should consider not only the health and well-being of their pets, but the greater problem of animal shelter crowding; this problem can be addressed by spaying and neutering dogs and cats as soon as they’re old enough to undergo the surgery. Periodontal disease is common in cats and dogs, so early dental care, including regular exams of the mouth at vet visits and brushing at home, is critical. Call us today to set up your appointment to care for your furry friend.

The Secret to Having a Perrr-fect Pet!

AZPAWS.org, your Arizona clinic for spaying and neutering makes dreams come true for new pet owners. Read more and find our why!

The Secret to Having a Perrr-fect Pet!


Many people would love to have a pet in their home to care for. Sometimes though people think differently about getting a pet. Someone who has seen a neighbor’s dog bark all night long or having a pet that is not properly trained may think twice before getting a dog. Cats can share some of the same concerns.


Imagine having a sweet dog that stays at home, sleeps soundly at night unless there is danger and doesn’t bring home puppies. Arizona clinic for spaying and neutering makes this dream come true for new pet owners.

Experts such as the ones found at AZPaws, an Arizona clinic for spaying recommended taking your puppy to the vet within the first seven days of bringing them home so they can get a clean bill of health. Then for pet neutering, spaying, and dental care, bring them back for follow up care.

Importance of Spaying or Neutering Your Pet

Spaying is the removal of ovaries and uterus of a female pet while neutering is removing testicles of a male pet. While most people originally did this to prevent litters and puppies, today it is recommended for more serious problems. According to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) spaying and neutering your dog or cat prevents uterine infections, breast tumors, and testicular cancer.

Spraying or neutering your pet helps to ensure there are no more heat days. Did you know that a female cat goes into heat every three weeks for four to five days?

Spaying or neutering your pet also helps your dog stay at home. You will be shocked at the lengths a pet will go to just to find a mate. AZPAWS, the Arizona clinic for spaying will help your dog stay at home and not straying.

Dental Care for Pets

Dental care is another big aspect of caring for your pet. Studies show that by 3 years of age, about 70% of cats and 80% of dogs have the periodontal (dental) disease because of poor dental care. Even though veterinarians explain the essence of brushing, 65% of pet owners have been found not to brush their pet’s teeth. This leads to an accumulation of tartar on their gum line which causes inflammation and eventually teeth loss and bad breath. Teeth infection will kill your pet if the sepsis goes to other vital organs.

When you take your furry friend to a vet clinic, the dentist will scale any tartar and then polish the teeth clean. This is something you should do regularly to keep your pet healthy.

There are a lot of benefits to visiting the our Arizona clinic for spaying and other services. Call us today to schedule your visit today.

8 Reasons to Pay Attention to Your Dog’s Teeth

There are things you can do to keep your furry friend’s teeth in great shape. Here are some reasons to find out more about dental care for pets

8 Reasons to Pay Attention to Your Dog’s Teeth
It is no secret that Americans care a lot about how their teeth look. Despite this, the majority of people do not pay enough attention to their oral health. The importance of dental care for dogs can also be easily ignored. It has been reported that when dogs reach the age of three, 80% of them have a dental (periodontal) disease. The problem extends beyond dogs, by the time they reach the age of three, 70% of cats also have some form of dental disease. The good news is that there are things you can do to keep your furry friend’s teeth in great shape. Here are some reasons to take the time to find out more about dental care for pets:

  1. Pets with clean teeth smell better! Dogs and cats can both have terrible breath. When people neglect their teeth, their breath smells terrible, too. Take care of your dog’s teeth and there will be no more “doggie breath” around your home.
  2. Dental disease can do more to hurt your pet than make their breath smell bad. When you fail to get the right dental care for dogs for your pet, you risk them developing more serious health issues such as heart disease, and issues with other organs around their bodies.
  3. Dogs and cats have baby teeth, just like people. Just like in people, these baby teeth need to come out. Dogs have 42 teeth. Cats have 30. Before their adult teeth can come in, the baby ones need to fall out. Just like in humans, this does not always happen. Neglected, this can cause a lot of problems for them and is a great reason to take your pet to a veterinarian for treatment if you see them struggling.
  4. You take care of your teeth every day. You should do the same for your dog. There are very easy ways to clean a dog’s teeth. The even better news about taking care of dogs’ teeth and adhering to the proper ways to provide dental care for dogs is easier than most people think. Unlike with human teeth, a dog’s teeth do not need to be flossed. Brushing them is more than enough to keep them in good shape. It has been reported that brushing can reach more than 90% of a dog’s teeth surfaces.
  5. Many dogs have periodontal disease. By some estimates, 90% of dogs who have reached the age of three have it in some form or another. This develops when plaque is allowed to build up. This is one of the main reasons it is important to keep up with your dog’s oral health routine. When you take your dog in for a checkup with your vet, have them give your dog’s mouth a look-see.
  6. Just like you can lose your teeth, your dog can, too. When people neglect their teeth, it is possible for them to become diseased and damaged, which can cause you to lose teeth. The same process happens in dogs whose teeth have been neglected and not properly cared for. This can cause your pet a lot of pain and lead to other, serious health issues.
  7. You may never know when your pet is in pain. This is true for dogs and cats. They are very skilled in the art of hiding the fact that they hurt somewhere. This also means you may not have any idea that your dog is having dental issues until they are very far advanced and harder to treat. It is for this reason that you have to pay attention to their oral health. Regular dental checkups can help prevent this problem.
  8. No teeth last forever. People’s teeth wear out and the same can be said for dogs and cats. Talk to your vet about the signs and symptoms of dental problems in your dog and you can do more to help them stay healthy.

Most pet owners do not blink at the idea of neutering a dog or a cat but they are not as quick to take them to a vet clinic to have their teeth looked after. Getting the right dental care for dogs for your furry friend can make a big difference in their healthy and happy.

Dental Tips For Finicky Dogs

Many dogs will not adjust to having their owners scrubbing away at their pearly whites unless you train them from puppyhood. If your finicky pup rejects a toothbrush, here are a few alternatives for dog dental care.

Dental Tips For Finicky Dogs
We’ve all been there. You get one whiff of your dog’s breath as they go to give you a sweet puppy kiss, and you think, yeesh, you need to brush your teeth, buddy — stat.
Most owners have heard from their vets that brushing their dogs’ teeth is important for their long-term health, and yet 65% of pet owners still don’t bother. A lot of these owners may have tried dental upkeep and failed miserably when their pup gave their new toothbrush the stink-eye. Yes, there are meaty doggy toothpastes out there, but the reality is that many dogs will not adjust to having their owners scrubbing away at their pearly whites unless you train them from puppyhood. If your finicky pup rejects a toothbrush, here are a few alternatives for dog dental care.

Quality food that supports tooth health.
If your dog’s breath is especially offensive, their food might be to blame. Check that their food has quality ingredients that support their tooth and digestive health. Get a recommendation from your vet if you’re not sure what brand or ingredients might benefit your pup most.

Plaque-fighting treats.
Pet companies often take easy dental care for dogs into account when formulating some treats and toy lines. Hard meaty treats and tough chew toys help your dog wear down plaque. Avoid giving them bones, which are starchy, and sugary or carb-heavy treats. If you want to feed them some ‘people-food’ treats you have on hand, baby carrots or skinless pieces of apple are good choices.

A water additive.
Dental care for dogs can be a little sneaky when they’re feeling picky. If you’re already using a quality food and providing chewy toys and treats, but the stinky breath and plaque persist, consider an additive that you put directly in their water to promote tooth health. Some dogs may notice a difference, but most won’t. Pet supply stores often have several brands available. Ask your vet for their opinion on a safe and effective option.

A dental care procedure at their vet.
If your dog’s tooth situation is pretty dire, ask our vet clinic about the possibility of a dental cleaning procedure. Two things to consider: your pet must be in good health, as it may involve a sedative. Your dog’s mouth will never be so fresh and clean as after a professional vet dental, and upkeep will be easier.

Even if all these ideas are non-options for your particular situation or dog, AZ Paws will absolutely have more personalized advice for dental care for your animals. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and explore all options before your pets mouth is in a crisis.

Dental Dangers: What Happens When You Don’t Care For Your Pet’s Teeth?

Preventative dental care at the veterinarian office can help you save money by reducing the risk of some serious health issues. Read more about how on our AZPAWS.org blog

 

When it comes to pet healthcare, it’s important to spay and neuter your pets. But it’s just as important that your pets receive regular dental care.

By keeping up with cat and dog dental care both at home and at the vet clinic, you can help your furry friends live a longer, healthier, and happier life. What’s more, preventative dental care at the veterinarian office can also help you save money by reducing the risk of some serious health issues.

 

Dental Dangers: What Happens When You Don’t Care For Your Pet’s Teeth?

You’ve most likely heard about the dangers of periodontal disease in humans. As it turns out, periodontal disease is even more common in dogs and cats. By the age of three, up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats will develop periodontal disease.

 

Periodontal disease can contribute to liver disease, heart disease, and kidney disease in your pets because the bacteria from your pet’s teeth can infect your pet’s blood. Periodontal disease starts when tartar is formed above and below the gum line.

 

Some of the most common signs of potential dental issues with your pet include:

Discolored teeth

Extra teeth

Bad breath

Broken teeth

Loose teeth

Swelling around the mouth

Pain around or in the mouth (your pet may refuse to eat)

Blood around the mouth

Abnormal chewing or drooling

Changes in eating behavior

 

How Do I Treat My Pet’s Gum Disease?

It’s important to consult with your veterinarian if you notice problems with your pet’s dental care. Your vet will perform a dental cleaning and conduct x-rays to learn how severe the damage is. Your vet will then talk to you about your pet’s dental care options.

 

The earlier your pet’s dental care is taken care of the better. Only your vet can treat the tartar below your pet’s gum line, but you can reach up to 90% of your pet’s teeth just by brushing at home.

 

You’ll want to make sure you’re brushing your pet’s teeth regularly. Between two to three times a week can help to reduce your pet’s risk of periodontal disease.

 

It’s important to spay and neuter your pet, but it’s also critical to keep their teeth as healthy as possible. For more information about Pheonix dog dental care or the importance of spaying or neutering your pet, contact AZPaws today.

Your Dogs’s Oral Hygiene Affects Their Overall Health

Your Dogs’s Oral Hygiene Affects Their Overall Health
Just as we take care of our teeth regularly, we should be doing the same for our animals. Dogs experience plaque buildup and tooth decay just as humans do, so it is important to prevent dental disease and infection. Dental problems in canines can cause a host of other health problems, affecting their entire body as well as their mouth. By implementing basic dental care for pets, you can prevent the following issues.

• Organ Damage: A dog’s mouth is the ideal environment for bacteria to grow, especially when left untreated. As these organisms grow, however, an infection can develop and spread to the rest of the body. If this infection reaches vital organs such as the heart and liver, your dog could experience more complicated health problems. Keeping their mouth clean will help you avoid pouring money into pet healthcare in the future.

• Oral Pain: If you notice that your dog is pawing their mouth or licking their gums, they might be in serious pain from dental problems. Severe swelling and decay can cause extreme discomfort for your pooch, and they will likely show visible signs. When a dog starts exhibiting these types of behaviors, brushing at home may not be enough. Be sure to take them to a vet for dog dental care and cleaning.

• Difficulty Eating: When their mouth is in pain, your dog have difficulty eating or may not be eating at all. You may notice them struggling to chew their food. If you dog drops weight suddenly, this is another sign of dental problems. Losing weight suddenly could be detrimental to their health, so be sure to take them to a dog vet clinic as soon as possible. Your vet may recommend an alternative dog food brand to use until you repair your pet’s teeth.

About 65% of pet owners do not brush their dogs’ teeth, so be sure to start doing so. At-home brushing and dental care for pets, however, may not be effective if your dog has severe dental issues. In many cases, veterinary care is the only way to diagnose and reverse the problem. During your pet’s next checkup, be sure to ask the vet to thoroughly inspect your dog’s teeth. Also be sure to ask about prevention best practices, as adopting the best at-home care will keep your dog’s bite strong and healthy for years to come.

Why It’s In Your Best Interests to Keep Your Pets’ Teeth Strong and Healthy

Dental health for your dog can be a serious issue. Read more about why keeping your dog’s teeth healthy is so important on the AZPAWS blog.

Why It’s In Your Best Interests to Keep Your Pets’ Teeth Strong and Healthy

One health item that is consistently overlooked when it comes to pets is their dental care. If a dog or a cat has bad breath, owners should sit up and take notice. Bad breath may be a symptom of a larger issue, such as rotting teeth or periodontal disease. If a pet has bad teeth, they could very well be in pain just doing simple tasks, like eating, and the owner may not know until the pain is quite advanced.

Keeping a cat or dog’s dental health up is not a difficult task, and most (if not all) veterinarians highly recommend that pet owners keep an eye on the dental health of their pets. So what can owners do to make sure that their pets’ teeth are healthy, and why are veterinarians emphasizing the need for pet dental health? Read on to find out.

Why is dental care for dogs and cats so important?

By the age of three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of dental disease, which is why so many vets suggest dental care for your dog and emphasize dental care for pets in general. If not treated, poor dental health has been linked to problems in pets’ organs such as the heart and kidneys.

Teeth can also become infected, break, and tumors or cysts can easily form in these absences. Naturally, this is extremely uncomfortable for the animal and can impact their eating habits. Pet owners might be horrified to realize that they’ve caused their beloved pets unnecessary pain by not being aware of the situation. The older the pet is, the more important it is to keep an eye on their dental health.

What can pet owners do to improve dental care?

Dog dental care might sound silly, but it should eventually become a regular routine in pet healthcare for owners. It’s not too difficult to carry out dental care for your dog. Indeed, you can reach around 90% of the surface of a dog’s teeth by brushing. You don’t even have to floss!

Certain treats or pet food can also be helpful in maintaining good dental care for your dog or cat and if you can’t brush your dog’s teeth every day, investing in this kind of food or treat can be helpful. You should consult with the vet to put together the most effective regimen for your pet.

Your pet should also be visiting the vet annually (at least) and during that time, the vet should be doing a thorough examination of their mouth. After the age of seven, it’s recommended that they get inspected twice a year. Listen to the vet as well. Veterinarians report that even though they explain how important it is to brush pets’ teeth, around 65% of pet owners don’t follow through at home.

What happens if my pet is already suffering from bad dental care?

If you haven’t been paying attention to dental care for your dog or cat and you believe that your pet is suffering, you should take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible and see what the vet recommends.

They may need a veterinarian dentist to perform a procedure and/or carry out a thorough dental cleaning. In many cases, a vet can replace or repair broken teeth and pull bad teeth, just like with humans. Do follow their directions for post-procedure and be sure to pay attention to their instructions for proper pet dental care afterwards!

Pet dental care is often overlooked by even the most concerned pet owners, but it can cause so many problems for your pet, that pet owners should have a higher level of awareness. If you need a dental cleaning, come visit us, and let us help keep your pets’ teeth healthy and strong.

Thank you.

5 Warning Signs of Dental Disease in Dogs

Dog dental care often goes overlooked but it should be an important part of taking care of your pet. Visit our blog to find out how you can help your dog with better dental care.

Unlike humans, dogs don’t brush their teeth twice a day or floss between meals to keep their breath fresh and their smiles white. Because it’s not a particularly routine part of caring for your pet, dog dental care often goes overlooked. It is, however, a very important part of pet healthcare.

By age three, a whole 80% of dogs and 70% of cats suffer from periodontal disease. Not only does this dental disease cause tooth decay, it can also travel through your dog’s body, affecting the lungs, kidneys, and heart.

Detecting periodontal disease can be as simple as opening your dog’s mouth and checking out his teeth and gums. Here are a few warning signs to look out for:

1. Inflamed gums
Dogs get gingivitis, too. Caused by bacteria that lingers in the mouth from food stuck in the teeth, gingivitis is a disease that causes gums to become red, swollen, and bleeding. The bacteria will gather under the gum line and cause a serious infection.

2. Swollen jaw
As the infection gathers around the root of the tooth, it creates an abscess, causing the jaw to become swollen. You should notice a lump on the lower jaw by the neck or on the upper jaw around the eye.

3. Plaque and tartar
Plaque is a sticky film on the teeth, which is composed of saliva and food particles. When plaque is left unattended, it hardens into a thick formation called tartar. This occurs in both dogs and humans.

4. Nasal discharge
As gums become infected and the roots of the teeth abscess, pockets of pus can reach the sinus cavities. As the infection spreads to the sinuses, your dog may develop cold or flu-like symptoms, including a runny nose and sneezing.

5. Stinky breath
Dogs’ breath typically doesn’t smell like roses, but when infected by a dental disease, it can become much worse than usual. If you notice a sour, acrid odor, it may be a sign of disease in the mouth as well as other internal organs.

Dog dental care is about much more than making sure your pup has a sparkling white smile. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a long list of health problems in both animals and humans. If you notice any of the signs listed above, take your furry friend to the dog vet clinic right away.

How to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Healthy

Taking care of your dog’s dental health is part of their overall health. Read more about why canine dental health is so important on our blog.

 

How to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Healthy
Once you become a dog owner, you assume many responsibilities. You have to ensure your dog exercises enough each day, gets vaccinated at a vet clinic, and learns good behavior around other people and dogs.

One of the most often neglected parts of dog care is — believe it or not — dog dental care. If your dog has inflamed gums or a toothache, he or she is dealing with pain that you probably don’t know about, and might not be able to eat without being irritated. Plus, the bacteria could spread and cause a more serious and painful infection.

The truth is that you should be able to maintain your dog’s dental health much in the same way that you maintain your own — by brushing their teeth. Most dog dentists recommend a brushing every day, but if that is unrealistic, shoot for three or four times a week. Check out the list below for other tips concerning your pup’s mouth:

  • Ease into it — Your dog won’t accept the intrusion of a strange new routine easily, so give it time. Start by offering him or her some peanut butter or a treat and let him lick it off of your hands, sticking your fingers in his mouth. Once your dog is used to you handling his or her mouth, it will be much easier to incorporate it into your daily or bi-weekly routine.
  • Find pet healthcare clinics, such as AZPAWS.org where there are vets who have experience in dental care for dogs. We will be able to detect problems before they even happen, and recommend a course of action if indeed there is a problem
  • Design a healthy diet for your pooch — A healthy doggy diet might include certain chew toys or treats that supposedly help battle plaque, but it is also important to make sure that they aren’t chewing on bones made out of starches or consuming any sugars. Your dog can eat fruits and vegetables — which are all around better for them anyway since 66% of dog allergies are caused by beef, dairy and wheat.

 

By age three, 80% of dogs have periodontal disease. You can prevent this by brushing their teeth, which cleans virtually all (90%) of their tooth surfaces. Give us a call to schedule a teeth cleaning. We can help your canine companion get started with great oral health.

 

Did you know dental care for your dog is an essential part of keeping your pet healthy? Check out our website at AZPaws.org for more information.

The 4 Most Common Dental Problems for Dogs

By age three, 80% of dogs are inflicted with periodontal disease. Although veterinarians explain the importance of dog dental care, about 65% of pet owners report that they do not brush their dog’s teeth. When it comes to caring for your pet, oral hygiene should be a part of your routine. At the very least, your pet’s mouth should be examined at a dog vet clinic at least once every year.

Dog dental care is an essential part of pet healthcare and is vital for your furry friend’s happiness. You may not know what to look for when considering your dog’s oral health, so below, you can find a list of four common dog dental care issues.

Common Tooth Problems for Dogs

1. Loose Teeth: Just like kids, puppies lose their first set of teeth to make room for their permanent teeth. Your kids may start finding their own teeth beginning to wiggle around age five or six, but your puppy will start to lose teeth between four and six months of age (that’s around seven years old in dog years!). It is important during this time in your dog’s life to regularly check inside his mouth. Just like with people, a baby tooth may fail to fall out, and an adult tooth will come in where there is little or no room to grow, causing it to come in crooked. See your vet if you notice two teeth closely occupying the same spot.
If your adult dog is experiencing loose teeth, this should be a red flag. This usually results from some kind of trauma to the mouth, illness, or gum loss as a result of periodontal disease.

2. Periodontal disease: Symptoms of periodontal disease include swollen and bleeding gums. This is the most commonly diagnosed dental problem in dogs. Plaque builds up on the teeth and becomes tartar. When tartar is under the gum line, gums become puffy and red and develop gingivitis. Gingivitis, if left untreated, progresses to periodontal disease, which causes the gums to recede, eventually leading to tooth loss. This leaves your dog vulnerable to infection, which can spread throughout his body.

3. Broken or cracked tooth: Dogs love to chomp and chew, so you need to be aware of what you dog has in his mouth at all times. Hard objects can crack or break a tooth. When this happens, the nerve of the tooth can be exposed, which can be very painful. The tooth also becomes vulnerable to infection.

4. Tooth root abscess: When an infection sets in as a result of any of the above problems, your dog may experience a tooth root abscess, which occurs if the root becomes exposed to bacteria. This will be incredibly painful, so you will notice that your dog is having difficulty eating or avoid eating altogether, facial swelling, and even an eye infection as the eye is located close to the tooth’s root. Inside his mouth, you will see a bump or swelling of the gums, which will appear red and highly irritated.

If you have any questions, feel free to share in the comments.

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