Keep your dog's smile bright — with expert dental care solutions

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from a variety of dental problems that affect their overall health and well-being. Here are the most common dental issues in dogs: 1. Plaque and Tartar Buildup • Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth after eating • When plaque mineralizes, it becomes tartar (or calculus), which is hard and can only be removed by professional cleaning • Tartar buildup appears as yellow or brown material on the teeth, especially near the gumline 2. Periodontal Disease • Affects over 80% of dogs by age three • Begins as gingivitis (red, swollen gums that may bleed) • Can progress to periodontitis, which involves damage to the supporting structures of the teeth • Can lead to tooth loss, bone infection, and bacterial spread to vital organs 3. Broken or Fractured Teeth • Often caused by chewing on hard objects (bones, antlers, hard toys) • Exposes the sensitive pulp inside the tooth, causing pain • Can lead to infection if not treated 4. Tooth Root Abscesses • Infections at the root of a tooth that cause swelling, pain, and sometimes drainage • May cause your dog to stop eating or to eat only on one side of their mouth • Can lead to facial swelling and fever 5. Malocclusion (Misaligned Teeth) • When teeth don't fit together properly • Can cause discomfort and difficulty eating • May lead to trauma of the soft tissues in the mouth 6. Retained Deciduous Teeth • Puppy teeth that don't fall out when adult teeth come in • Can lead to overcrowding, misalignment, and increased plaque buildup Dental issues are not just about bad breath—they can impact your dog's quality of life and overall health. Regular dental care is essential for preventing these common problems.

It's important to recognize the signs of dental issues in your dog since they can't tell you when they're experiencing discomfort. Watch for these warning signs: • Bad breath (halitosis) — one of the earliest and most common signs • Yellow or brown discoloration on the teeth • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums • Difficulty eating or chewing (dropping food, chewing on one side) • Reduced appetite or refusing to eat • Pawing at the mouth or face • Excessive drooling, sometimes with blood in the saliva • Visible tartar buildup along the gum line • Loose, broken, or missing teeth • Swelling under the eyes or around the jaw (possible abscess) • Nasal discharge (can indicate an infection that has spread) • Behavioral changes like irritability or depression • Weight loss due to difficulty eating • Reluctance to have the head or mouth touched Dogs are masters at hiding pain, so dental issues may be advanced before you notice symptoms. Regular home checks of your dog's mouth can help you catch problems early. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to consult with a veterinarian to address the underlying dental issue.

Maintaining your dog's dental health at home is essential for preventing dental disease. Here are effective strategies to keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy: 1. Regular Tooth Brushing • Brush your dog's teeth daily if possible, or at least 2-3 times per week • Use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste (never use human toothpaste) • Start slowly and gradually build up to full mouth brushing • Make it a positive experience with praise and rewards 2. Dental Diets and Treats • Feed dental-specific dry food designed to reduce plaque and tartar • Offer dental chews and treats that have been approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) • Look for products with an enzymatic action that helps break down plaque 3. Dental Toys • Provide appropriate chew toys that help clean teeth as your dog chews • Look for toys with ridges or nubs that help scrape plaque from teeth • Ensure toys are appropriately sized and not too hard to prevent tooth fractures 4. Water Additives and Oral Rinses • Add dental solutions to your dog's drinking water to help reduce bacteria • Consider using veterinarian-recommended oral rinses for additional protection 5. Regular Mouth Checks • Inspect your dog's mouth weekly for signs of dental issues • Check for red gums, tartar buildup, or damaged teeth • Note any changes in breath odor or eating habits 6. Professional Dental Cleanings • Even with excellent home care, professional cleanings are necessary • Schedule regular veterinary dental check-ups • Follow your vet's recommendations for professional cleaning frequency Remember that home dental care is most effective when started early in your dog's life. However, it's never too late to begin a dental care routine for your adult dog.

At Telavets, we understand that dental health is a crucial part of your dog's overall wellbeing. Here's how we can help support your dog's oral health: 1. Virtual Dental Assessments Through video consultations, our experienced veterinarians can: • Examine your dog's mouth for visible signs of dental disease • Evaluate symptoms like bad breath, drooling, or difficulty eating • Help determine the urgency of dental issues • Guide you through a basic oral examination of your dog 2. Home Dental Care Recommendations We'll provide personalized advice on: • The best tooth-brushing techniques for your specific dog • Appropriate dental products (toothpastes, brushes, water additives) • Dental diets and therapeutic treats suited to your dog's needs • Safe chew toys that promote dental health 3. Prescription Dental Products When necessary, we can prescribe: • Medicated rinses for gum inflammation • Antibiotics for dental infections • Specialized dental diets that require veterinary authorization • Pain medication for dental discomfort 4. Monitoring Ongoing Dental Conditions For dogs with chronic dental issues, we offer: • Regular follow-up consultations to track progress • Adjustment of home care protocols as needed • Guidance on managing conditions between professional cleanings 5. Professional Dental Care Coordination While some dental procedures require in-person care, we can: • Help determine when it's time for a professional dental cleaning • Provide referrals to trusted local veterinary dentists when needed • Explain what to expect during professional dental procedures • Assist with post-procedure care after dental surgeries or extractions Our goal is to help you maintain your dog's dental health between professional cleanings and identify potential issues before they become serious problems.

When it comes to maintaining your dog's dental health, Telavets offers distinct advantages that make us the perfect partner in your pet's oral care: • Convenience: Get expert dental advice without the stress of transporting your dog to a clinic. Our virtual consultations fit around your schedule, saving you time and hassle. • Early Detection: Our veterinarians are trained to spot the early signs of dental disease through visual examination and your description of symptoms, allowing for prompt intervention before problems worsen. • Personalized Dental Plans: We create customized home dental care routines based on your dog's specific needs, age, breed, and existing dental conditions. • Ongoing Support: Establishing a dental care routine can be challenging. We provide continuous guidance and follow-up to ensure you're successful in maintaining your dog's oral health. • Product Expertise: With so many dental products on the market, our vets can help you navigate the options and recommend truly effective solutions rather than wasting money on products that don't work. • Anxiety-Free Experience: Many dogs find visits to the vet stressful, especially when it involves examining their mouth. Virtual consultations allow for dental assessments in your dog's comfortable home environment. • Cost-Effective Care: Preventing dental disease through proper home care guidance is far less expensive than treating advanced dental problems that require extensive professional intervention. • Educational Approach: We don't just recommend treatments—we help you understand your dog's dental health, empowering you to make informed decisions about their care. By partnering with Telavets for your dog's dental health needs, you're taking a proactive approach to preventing painful dental conditions and potentially serious health issues linked to poor oral hygiene.