Dental care is a significant part of your pet’s wellness care. Delaying dental care could lead to advanced disease and higher treatment costs. Periodontal or gum disease, in fact, is the number one illness found in both dogs and cats.
Dental disease can cause serious problems for your pet, ranging from gum inflammation and tooth loss to infection and even organ damage.
Up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats that don’t receive proper dental care will develop signs of dental disease by the age of three.
Animal Dental Care Tips:
Dogs and cats should have their teeth brushed at home on a regular basis. The first step is to make it fun and relaxing for your pet. Use lots of praise and start slowly. Begin by offering a small amount of flavored pet toothpaste on your index finger as “a treat” daily for 5-7 days. This conditions your pet to expect a treat when they see the tube of toothpaste. Then go to a finger brush (small rubber thimble that goes on your index finger)
Try to practice brushing at the same time and the same place on regular intervals.
Use poultry-flavored toothpaste. Toothpaste made for humans can make a pet sick.
Once the animal starts accepting or even looking forward to this new ritual, introduce a toothbrush and clean the exterior of the animal’s teeth.
Special foods, along with dental chews, rawhides, dental bones, oral rinses and other healthy products that pets consider “treats,” can help keep teeth white and free of disease. Always supervise to prevent swallowing large pieces. Avoid hard treats such as real bones, hard plastic bones, and cow hooves as they can lead to broken teeth.
Prevention is the best cure for dental disease in animals. Schedule an appointment if you see these symptoms or signs of periodontal disease:
- Bad breath—it’s not unusual for a dog to have breath that’s unpleasant, but if it becomes putrid, this is a strong sign of dental disease.
- Tartar build up—just like in people, a dog or cat’s teeth should be white and free of tartar.
- Swollen, receding, or bleeding gums.
- Fractured teeth—bad oral hygiene can lead to root exposure, which can be very painful.
- Change in eating habits—sometimes an animal’s dental disease can become so uncomfortable that pets will avoid certain foods.
- Swollen face, cheeks or eyes
Dental disease can be easily prevented by following your veterinarian’s advice regarding dental examinations, home care, and dental cleanings.
