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Proper Australian Shepherd dental care is vital for this breed's comfort and wellbeing. Dental disease is unfortunately very common in Aussies without preventative measures. Painful tartar buildup, gum infections, tooth fractures and decay can all affect them. Establishing thorough at-home dental habits, regular professional cleanings, and prompt treatment, when necessary, helps your dog avoid expensive interventions later on. This comprehensive guide covers everything Aussie owners must know to properly care for their beloved dog's teeth. Why Dental Health Matters for Australian Shepherds Clean teeth allow Australian Shepherds to comfortably eat, play fetch, herd livestock and complete all the active jobs they love. Dental disease results in tooth pain and may lead to tooth loss or the infection spreading from the mouth to other body systems. Bacteria from gum disease can also enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting major organs like the heart and kidneys. Providing your Aussie with daily teeth brushing, a healthy diet, professional cleanings and quick treatment when required helps them maintain excellent dental health and a bright, beautiful lifelong smile. Keeping your dog’s teeth in tip-top shape ensures their maximum health and happiness into their senior years. Understanding the Unique Aussie Dental Structure As adults, Australian Shepherds have 42 permanent teeth. Their teeth include incisors for nibbling, pointed canines for tearing meat, premolars for grinding, and molars for crushing. Aussies have a "scissor bite," meaning their upper incisors slightly overlap the lower incisors when the mouth is closed. They also have strong, wide jaws needed for herding livestock. The breed's large crushing molars and powerful bite comes with some dental challenges. Their back molars are prone to painful fractures and pulp exposure. Crowded, misaligned teeth are common due to their herding dog structure. Tartar also rapidly builds up on their back teeth. Keeping these trouble spots clean and monitored is key to preventing painful dental disease. Caring for Your Aussies Teeth at Home Daily tooth brushing is the gold standard for preventive home dental care. Using a soft-bristled brush made for dogs along with canine toothpaste, gently brush in small circles where your dog's teeth and gums meet. Be sure to reach the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of all their teeth. Take your time keeping sessions relaxed, calm and positive. Reward your Aussie with praise and/or treats after finishing. If your dog absolutely won’t tolerate brushing, dental chews and treats can help control plaque and massage gums. When selecting these products, look for ones proven to reduce tartar with the VOHC seal. Avoid hard chews that may fracture teeth. Always supervise your dog when eating any dental chew. Starting these routines early gets dogs used to them. The Importance of Professional Veterinary Cleanings In addition to home care, most Australian Shepherds need periodic professional cleanings. Your vet will perform a thorough oral exam with the dog under anesthesia to fully visualize the teeth and assess dental health. They can then scale and polish the teeth to remove all tartar and plaque above and below the gumline. Any needed extractions or additional procedures can also be performed during the dental cleaning session. Cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months to 2 years depending on your dog’s individual oral health status. Aussies prone to severe tartar may need more frequent dental work. Extractions help prevent infection and relieve pain from non-viable teeth. Discuss your dog’s unique needs with your vet to determine the ideal dental care plan. Warning Signs of Dental Problems in Australian Shepherds Some signs of dental trouble to watch for in your Aussie include: bad breath, reduced or picky chewing, loose or broken teeth, discolored teeth, excessive drooling, visible tartar/plaque buildup, swollen, irritated or bleeding gums, swollen muzzle, changes in eating habits, and behavior changes like increased irritability. Schedule an oral exam with your vet promptly if you notice any of these signs to identify and treat the underlying problem right away. Catching dental issues early makes treatment easier and less costly overall. Tips for Effectively Brushing Your Aussie’s Teeth Brushing is crucial for keeping your Australian Shepherd’s teeth sparkling clean. Tips for a successful toothbrushing routine include: Introduce slowly - let them lick poultry-flavored paste first Gently lift lips to expose teeth a little at a time Use small circular motions concentrating at the gumline Gradually work up to brushing their entire mouth Provide praise and fur strokes to keep the process calm Make brushing a regular part of your dog’s routine Choosing the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste Select a soft-bristled brush size for dogs that can reach the back of your Aussies teeth. Replace the toothbrush every 2-3 months or when the bristles appear worn. Only use toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs. Canine toothpastes have yummy meat and poultry flavors that dogs enjoy. Avoid human pastes that may upset your dog’s stomach. Never use baking soda or salt as these are too harsh for dog teeth. Recovering from Professional Dental Procedures Expect your Aussie to be groggy for about 12-24 hours after any professional dental work. Feed a bland, soft food diet during initial recovery. Use the e-collar from your vet to prevent disturbing surgical sites. Give all prescribed medications exactly as directed. Schedule a recheck exam with your vet to ensure proper healing. While dental procedure recovery takes gentle care and patience, the payoff is improved health and relief of dental pain. Preventing Dental Disease in Australian Shepherds In addition to brushing, chews, cleanings and prompt treatment, other preventive steps for Aussie dental health include: Diet - Feed a premium food formulated to fight plaque bacteria. Avoid sugary human foods. Use dental kibble to help clean teeth. Home Care - Provide sturdy chew toys to massage gums and generate saliva flow. Rotate items to keep it interesting. Exams - Schedule annual oral health checkups to identify emerging problems early. Habits - Don't share food or let your dog lick your mouth to help prevent bacterial transmission. Safety - Use leashes during play to prevent fractures and mouth injuries. Health - Quit tobacco and manage your dog's stress, as these increase dental disease risks. Following these tips along with the brushing routine, dental chews, professional cleanings and quick treatment when required will help ensure your Australian Shepherd maintains the healthiest mouth possible lifelong. Setting Up Puppies for Lifelong Dental Success Establishing excellent dental care habits right from the start is critical to protecting your Australian Shepherd puppy's oral health long-term. Get them comfortable with toothbrush touching early on. Gently start brushing their teeth as soon as the adult teeth begin erupting around 4-6 months old. Schedule your puppy’s first veterinary dental exam by one year of age. Follow your vet’s individualized recommendations for professional cleanings and home care tailored to your pup’s needs. Feed your Aussie puppy a premium diet promoting good dental health. Limit sugary treats. Setting your pup up right with great dental habits from the beginning prevents painful problems down the road. Choosing the Right Chews and Treats Chews and treats can supplement your Aussie’s dental care routine, but choose wisely: Seek VOHC approved products clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar; Avoid excessively hard items like bones that may fracture teeth; Select appropriate sizes and textures for your dog’s chewing habits; Always supervise your dog with any dental chew or treat; Limit amounts since calories add up fast with treats; Never give cooked bones which can splinter dangerously. With the right dental chews and treats as directed by your vet, you can give your Aussie’s teeth and gums an extra clean while also preventing boredom. Professional Cleaning Procedures Explained Veterinary dental cleanings involve: Pre-surgical exam of teeth, gums and oral cavity; General anesthesia to fully visualize the mouth and keep dog relaxed; Scaling using specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline; Polishing to smooth enamel for cleaner teeth between cleanings; Fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel; Digital dental x-rays to evaluate tooth roots and look for abnormalities; Extractions as needed for severely compromised teeth; Further procedures if masses, fractures or gum disease present; Pain medication and antibiotics to prevent infection. While cleanings require anesthesia and thorough cleanup, the health payoff is well worth it. Modern procedures are very safe. Your vet will discuss all the steps with you beforehand. Recovering After a Professional Dental Cleaning Follow these tips to help your Aussie recover comfortably after a dental procedure: Expect them to be drowsy the first night home as anesthesia wears off; Offer a bland, soft food diet for a few days to avoid mouth irritation; Use the e-collar from your vet so they don't disturb the surgical site; Give prescribed pain and antibiotic medications exactly as directed; Call your vet if you notice ongoing pain, bleeding or other concerns; Keep activity light while mouth heals - avoid toys that require heavy chewing; Schedule a recheck dental exam in a couple weeks to ensure proper healing. While cleanings do disrupt your dog's routine for a day or two, pay attention to their needs while recovering and everything will be back to normal quickly. Their improved dental health is well worth it. Importance of Annual Veterinary Dental Exams Along with home care and professional cleanings, annual oral exams by your veterinarian are key to protecting your Aussie’s dental health. Annual exams check for signs of infection, swelling, loose teeth, masses or trauma. Your vet will assess tartar buildup, gum recession, and overall tooth integrity. They can identify any early-stage problems requiring intervention and develop an individualized dental care plan based on your dog's unique needs. These exams are the time to discuss options like extractions, root canals, gum grafts, surgery and get guidance on effective home care techniques and products. Don’t skip your dog’s annual oral health checkup - they provide vital information to halt dental disease progression. Dental Care Options for Senior Australian Shepherds As your Australian Shepherd reaches their senior years, their dental needs change. Some approaches to care for older dogs include: Schedule professional cleanings more frequently as tartar builds up faster; Be vigilant for signs of loose teeth, mouth pain, infections or cancer; Switch to a senior diet easier to chew with added nutrients; Avoid hard treats and toys that could cause fractures; Discuss pain relief if arthritis is making brushing uncomfortable; Consider anesthesia-free cleanings to reduce risks if dog is a poor candidate. With adjustments to their care, you can keep your senior Aussie’s teeth healthier and free of pain for more years of happy life together. Work closely with your vet to tailor their plan. Benefits of Dental Insurance for Australian Shepherds Since dental problems are so common in Australian Shepherds, dental insurance can make care more affordable by reimbursing you for costs. Policies cover: Annual oral exams, dental x-rays and teeth cleanings; Extractions, root canals, crowns and other major procedures; Dental illness treatment like infection or abscess; Congenital or traumatic injury to teeth; Cancer treatments like tumor removal; Reimbursement of 70% - 90% of your vet dental bills. Dental insurance brings peace of mind, especially for younger Aussies prone to inherited dental diseases. Wellness plans help cover preventive cleanings too. Keeping Your Australian Shepherd’s Teeth Healthy for Life As an Australian Shepherd owner, making dental care a top priority ensures your dog’s comfort and health for years to come. Establish an effective at-home brushing routine. Schedule professional cleanings and annual oral health checkups. Feed a dental-friendly diet. Act quickly if you notice signs of problems. With preventive care and early treatment when required, your Aussie will maintain their beautiful smile for a lifetime! Commit now to the steps for protecting your dog’s teeth.