If you own an older dog, you may worry a great deal about its physical and mental health. One of the things you should also worry about is your pet's dental health, especially if your dog experienced dental problems as a puppy. These dental issues can affect your pet's health in general. Learn how your dog's dental health can affect their physical and mental well-being. 

Does Good Dental Health Really Matter?

Like humans, dogs can experience joint pain, weakened bones, and many other age-related health problems. Many of these age-related conditions can affect the health of your dog's teeth and gums. Some older pets can experience gum disease and tooth loss due to their failing health. 

Your beloved pet's gum and tooth problems can interfere with their ability to eat different foods. If your pet develops inflammation in their gums (gum disease), they may lose the teeth they need to tear, rip, and grind down food. If your dog's mouth hurts because of their condition, they may refuse to eat altogether. Poor eating habits can potentially lead to weight loss, intestinal problems, and depression.

By taking care of your older dog's dental health now, you can make life more comfortable for them later. 

How Can You Keep Your Dog's Mouth Healthy?

You want to have a veterinarian clean your pet's teeth and gums for you. Although some doggy treats are designed to clean your pet's teeth and gums, the treats may be too hard for your older pet to chew. If your pet swallows the treats whole, they may experience choking or another dangerous issue. A veterinarian can use safe and effective dental tools to remove plaque, food, and germs from your dog's mouth. 

In addition, a pet doctor can examine your dog's overall health during the visit. If your dog does have a health problem that could endanger their overall health, a vet can treat it right away. Your pet may need to take vitamins and minerals that help protect or strengthen its body's hard and soft tissues. 

A veterinarian may schedule your pet for regular dental visits. You should report any changes in your dog's health during the visits, even if the change seems small or insignificant. If you have concerns about your pet's at-home care, contact a pet doctor immediately.

To obtain additional facts about your older dog's dental health, contact a veterinarian, like Brian E Hall, for an appointment today.