What to do if your dog’s teeth have calculus
Recently, pet health issues have become one of the hot topics, especially the problem of dog dental calculus, which has triggered widespread discussion. Many pet owners find that their dogs have yellow teeth, severe bad breath, and even red and swollen gums, which may be caused by dental calculus. This article will give you a detailed answer to the causes, dangers and solutions of dog dental calculus, and provide structured data for reference.
1. Causes of dental calculus in dogs

Dog dental calculus is mainly formed by the long-term accumulation of food residues, bacteria and minerals in saliva. The following are common causes:
| Cause | Specific instructions |
|---|---|
| Improper diet | Long-term feeding of soft food or sugary snacks can easily leave residue in the mouth |
| lack of cleanliness | Not brushing teeth or using oral hygiene products regularly |
| Growing older | Older dogs have reduced saliva secretion and reduced self-cleaning ability |
| genetic factors | Some dog breeds (such as Poodles and Chihuahuas) are more susceptible to dental calculus |
2. The dangers of dental calculus
If left untreated, dental calculus can cause the following health problems:
| Hazard type | possible consequences |
|---|---|
| Oral diseases | Gingivitis, bad breath, tooth loss |
| systemic infection | Bacteria pass through the blood and affect the heart, kidneys and other organs |
| difficulty eating | Pain leads to loss of appetite and malnutrition |
3. Solution
For different levels of dental calculus, the following measures can be taken:
| Processing method | Applicable situations | Operation suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| daily cleaning | slight tartar | Brush your teeth 2-3 times a week, using canine toothpaste |
| Teeth cleaning snacks | Prevent stones | Choose a dental stick or teeth cleaning bone with moderate hardness |
| Professional teeth cleaning | Moderate to severe stones | Veterinary ultrasound cleaning is required after anesthesia |
| diet modification | long term prevention | Increase the proportion of dry food and reduce sticky food |
4. Preventive measures
Prevention is better than cure. It is recommended to start from the following aspects:
1.Check your mouth regularly: Observe your dog’s tooth color and gum status every month.
2.Use oral spray: Suitable for dogs who resist brushing their teeth, inhibits bacterial growth.
3.Veterinary check-up: Have a professional dental check-up at least once a year.
5. Common misunderstandings
Regarding dog dental calculus, you need to avoid the following misconceptions:
| Misunderstanding | truth |
|---|---|
| “Dogs don’t need to brush their teeth” | Brushing your teeth is the most effective way to prevent dental calculus |
| “Teeth-cleaning snacks can completely replace cleaning” | It only has an auxiliary effect and cannot completely remove stones. |
| “Teeth cleaning is dangerous for dogs” | Modern pet anesthesia techniques are extremely safe |
Summary
The problem of dental calculus in dogs cannot be ignored. It can affect the quality of life at least, and can be life-threatening at worst. Through scientific daily care, reasonable dietary arrangements and regular professional care, dental calculus can be effectively prevented and controlled. If you find that your dog has severe dental calculus, please contact your veterinarian immediately and do not scrape it off yourself to avoid damaging the tooth enamel.
I hope this article can help you better protect your dog’s oral health!
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