Dental Cleanings

The Importance of Dental Care for Senior Dogs: Why Non-Anesthetic Cleanings Are Beneficial

July 17, 2024

You’ve heard dental care for senior dogs is important. But you might be asking yourself…

Is my dog too old for a dental cleaning?

The short answer is that dogs of all ages can benefit from dental care! As with any pet receiving care for the first time or after an extended period of time, an exam would be needed to determine the best plan of dental care for your senior pet. There’s no age where a dog becomes too old for a dental cleaning. But each dog ages differently. So, like humans, the dental care plan for each pet, especially older dogs, is going to be different depending on their health and oral hygiene.

As our furry BFFs age, their health needs change, and this includes dental care. Proper dental hygiene is crucial for older dogs, as it helps prevent a host of health issues that can arise from neglected teeth and gums. In this post, we’ll explore the importance of dental care for older dogs, the benefits of non-anesthetic pet dental cleanings, and why some senior dogs might still need anesthesia for their dental procedures.

Dog's teeth

Why Dental Care Is Crucial for Older Dogs

Just like in humans, dental health in dogs plays a vital role in their overall well-being. As dogs age, they become more susceptible to dental diseases such as periodontal disease, tooth decay, and gum infections.

Here are some of the most important reasons why maintaining dental hygiene is essential for senior dogs:

Preventing Pain and Discomfort

Dental issues can cause significant pain and discomfort for your dog. Regular dental care helps prevent these problems, ensuring your furry friend remains comfortable and happy.

Avoiding Serious Health Issues

Poor dental health can lead to severe health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease, and liver infections. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, affecting vital organs.

Maintaining a Healthy Appetite

Dental pain can make it difficult for dogs to eat, leading to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. Healthy teeth and gums ensure your senior dog can enjoy their meals without pain.

Improving Quality of Life

A healthy mouth contributes to a better quality of life for your dog. With improved dental care, senior dogs can play, chew, and interact more comfortably, enhancing their overall well-being.
Pet Toothbrush

The Benefits of Non-Anesthetic Dental Cleanings for Senior Dogs

Non-anesthetic pet dental cleanings have become increasingly popular among pet parents, especially for older dogs. They are also our specialty!

Here are some of the key benefits of anesthesia free teeth cleaning for senior dogs:

Reduced Risk

Anesthesia can pose risks, particularly for older dogs with underlying health conditions. Non-anesthetic cleanings eliminate these risks, making the procedure safer.

Less Stress

Many dogs experience anxiety at the vet, especially when undergoing anesthesia. Non-anesthetic cleanings are less stressful and can be a more positive experience for your pet. If you’re visiting one of our signature Pet Dental Spas for your senior dog’s teeth cleaning, you’ll find that we have designed these spaces to be a relaxing place for your BFF to receive dental care. If you don’t have a HealthySmiles Pet Dental Spa near you, make sure to look for a provider with excellent reviews and experience in providing dental care for senior dogs. Your veterinarian is often the best resource for referrals, so when in doubt, reach out to see what they recommend for your pet!

Quick Recovery

Without anesthesia, your dog can recover quickly and resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure.

Effective Maintenance

Regular non-anesthetic cleanings – 2 per year is recommended – help maintain your dog’s dental health, reducing the likelihood of severe dental issues.
Pet Toothbrush

Why Some Older Dogs May Still Need Anesthesia

While non-anesthetic dental cleanings offer many benefits for dogs of any age, there are situations where anesthesia may still be necessary:

Severe Dental Issues

If your dog has severe periodontal disease, broken teeth, or deep infections, anesthesia may be required to perform more extensive dental work safely and effectively.

Reducing Movement

Some dogs may not tolerate the dental procedure while awake. Anesthesia ensures the dog remains still, allowing the veterinarian to perform the cleaning or treatment without causing distress or injury.

Comprehensive Care

If your senior dog requires advanced dental care, using anesthesia enables the vet to address all dental issues in one session while also providing a cleaning. This reduces the need for multiple visits and ensures complete care with minimal stress.
Pet Toothbrush

HealthySmiles, Happy Pets 🙂

Routine dental care is a crucial aspect of maintaining your older dog’s health and happiness. Regular non-anesthetic dental cleanings are a safe and effective way to keep your senior dog’s teeth and gums healthy, reducing the risk of serious health issues.

However, for more severe dental problems, anesthesia may still be necessary to ensure thorough treatment. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best dental care plan for your senior dog, ensuring they enjoy a comfortable and healthy life in their golden years.

Remember, a healthy smile means a happy dog! Keep those tails wagging and teeth sparkling with regular brushing at home and 2 professional pet dental cleanings per year!

HealthySmiles Non-Anesthetic Pet Dental Spas

We’re reimagining the pet industry with our zen inspired approach to teeth cleaning for dogs & cats. Schedule a deep dental cleaning every 6 months to keep your pet’s smile healthy!

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Kelli Harvey

Kelli Harvey has produced educational materials for local animal rescues and worked closely with veterinarians across the US to help improve the lives of pets for many years. She’s also an obsessed pet mom to two rambunctious rescue mutts!