Most dog owners know just how messy even the most well behaved pups can be. Between excessive shedding, slobbery greetings and using your favorite throw pillow as a chew toy, your lovable four-legged friend is probably also a bit of a mess-maker. Even though you can’t keep your pup perfectly tidy all the time, you can make sure that you stay on top of their hygiene. Regularly grooming your dog and having their teeth cleaned is important, not only for the cleanliness of your home, but also for the health of your canine companion. Here are five signs a trip to the vet for teeth cleaning might be in your dog’s future:

• The nose knows: Just like when you forget to brush your teeth in the morning, a dog that is in need of a good dental cleaning will likely have some pretty smelly breath. While you can’t expect your dog’s breath to smell especially pleasant anyway, having your dog’s teeth cleaned professionally by a veterinarian in D’Iberville, MS can certainly reduce the unpleasant smells coming from your dog’s mouth.

• Teeth show a buildup of plaque: If you notice some plaque buildup or gingivitis in your dog’s mouth, it’s probably time for a dental cleaning. These issues will only get worse if they aren’t addressed early on, and they can lead to serious dental issues and sensitivity for your dog.
• Your dog displays sensitivity to chewing: Sometimes, your dog’s behavior can give you a lot of insight into whether they are experiencing issues with their oral health and hygiene. Dogs that are hesitant to eat hard kibble and gravitate towards softer food options could be having dental issues that are causing them pain. If your dog has a favorite chew toy that they haven’t demonstrated interest in recently, it might be because their chewing causes them pain. In these cases, you can bring your dog in to see a veterinarian in D’Iberville, MS who can check for damage.
• There are signs of infection: If you notice that your pet’s gums are bleeding or look infected, you should have them checked out right away. Sometimes, you may even be able to see blood on your pet’s chew toy after they play with it. These symptoms can be a sign of gingivitis, an infection of the mouth or abscessed teeth.
• It’s been a while since his last cleaning: Even without any signs of dental problems, dogs should have their teeth cleaned at around three years of age, and then annually after that. Even if you don’t notice any concerning signs of poor oral hygiene or heightened sensitivity, it is still important to take your pet for regular cleanings.

Is it time for your pup to get their teeth cleaned? Bring your dog into D’Iberville Veterinary Hospital and we would be happy to give them a thorough dental cleaning that will help keep their teeth and gums healthy and reduce the amount of smelly breath that you have to deal with. We also offer grooming services that will keep your dog looking and feeling their absolute best. If you have any questions about our services, or if you want to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian in D’Iberville, MS, call us today or simply stop by and see us.