As pup parents, we have endless responsibilities. We need to make sure they’re happy and healthy, eating the right foods, are enjoying their doggy daycare and are booked in for their next dog grooming session. But one aspect of dog ownership that is sometimes overlooked is doggy dental hygiene.
Many Melbourne owners are surprised to learn that oral health issues can affect everything from appetite to energy levels. That’s why professional grooming is an important part of maintaining your pup’s wellbeing, not just their appearance.
At The Dog Dazzlers, grooming services go beyond coat care to include teeth polishing. Our team have experience in oral hygiene and can help identify potential problems before they need veterinary treatment.
Here’s everything you need to know about dental hygiene for dogs and how grooming can make all the difference.
Dogs use their mouths all the time – whether it’s to explore their surroundings, play with their favourite toy, greet their owner or chew their meals. Over time, plaque and tartar build up on teeth, just as they do in humans. Without proper care and attention, this buildup can lead to gum disease, infection and even tooth loss.
The really scary bit, however, is that poor oral health isn’t just confined to your dog’s mouth. Bacteria from dental disease can enter the bloodstream and impact major organs, including the heart, liver and kidneys.
This is why preventative care, including services such as tooth polishing in your dog’s grooming session, is highly recommended.
Many owners think of doggy grooming as a way to keep coats clean and tidy. But in reality, it’s much more than that. Professional dog groomers are trained in grooming several different breeds, but they also know how to identify changes in your dog’s coat, skin and oral health. Grooming appointments are an opportunity to monitor your dog’s health more closely.
We often notice early warning signs that owners might miss at home. During a grooming session, we can observe changes in breath, gum colour and oral comfort.
Our tooth polishing service, using coconut oil, is a natural and tasty way to remove surface buildup and support ongoing oral care. While a good-smelling polish doesn’t replace veterinary treatment for advanced dental disease, it’s a great preventative step to help maintain cleaner teeth between vet visits.
Regular grooming also creates a positive routine when it comes to handling around the mouth (which many pups dislike), helping dogs become more comfortable with dental care over time.
Whilst grooming is a great preventative step to dental problems, if you notice any big changes in your pup’s dental hygiene, you should make an appointment with your vet to have them checked out.
Some common signs to look out for include:
Behaviour changes can also be a sign of dental issues. A dog who suddenly becomes withdrawn, more aggressive or reluctant to play could be in pain.
Preventative care at home is one of the most effective ways to support long-term dental hygiene for dogs. But it’s not always easy. One of the most important things is to start young and be consistent. This helps pups get used to having their teeth inspected and cleaned. Of course, some dogs, especially those who are a little nervous or skittish, or have shorter airways like pugs and frenchies, may not let you anywhere near them with a toothbrush.
If this is the case, talk to your vet or groomer, as there are lots of good products that can help with oral hygiene, without you having to physically put your fingers in your dog’s mouth.
If your pooch has persistent oral health problems, your vet may suggest a balanced and high-quality diet that supports gum health and can influence how quickly plaque forms. Giving your dog appropriate chews can also keep teeth cleaner through gentle abrasion.
Many owners find that combining at-home care with regular dog grooming sessions is a great way to stay on top of their pup’s dental hygiene needs. Before your first session, we’ll discuss your pup’s temperament and any problems they’ve had in the past, so we know if teeth polishing is a good option for them.
The most effective approach to your dog’s oral hygiene combines preventative care at home, professional grooming support and veterinary treatment when required.
When dental hygiene becomes a part of your regular dog grooming routine, maintaining your pup’s oral health becomes more manageable and less stressful for both you and your furry friend. If you’re looking for a professional dog groomer in Surrey Hill who could help keep your pup happy and healthy, get in touch with The Dog Dazzlers. We’ll happily keep your pup’s teeth pearly white and advise about maintaining good overall oral hygiene.
Based in Burwood, our purpose built facility provides pups with all their daycare and grooming needs – find out more now:
If you’d like to book your furbaby in for a groom, please give us a call on 03 9808 3289, or complete the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
All existing clients can book in below, and new clients can register their dogs for daycare.
If you have any questions, please call us on 03 9808 3289.
