Dental Care Tips for Dogs and Cats
Dental Care Tips for Dogs and Cats
Dental health of our pets often turns out to be one of the most neglected areas of pet health. However, it is crucial to healthy and long life. Not only does lack of dental health cause pets to suffer from bad breath and dental problems like tooth loss, but it may also result in severe conditions of the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Importance of Dental Care
Both dogs and cats suffer mostly from the buildup of plaque and tartar on their teeth. When bacteria and food mix together in the mouth of an animal, they form what is called plaque on the animal’s teeth. When that plaque stays on the teeth for too long without being cleaned off, tartar starts to form on the teeth of the affected animal, thereby irritating the gums and causing the disease known as periodontal disease. This can lead to issues such as gum disease, infections, and even organ disease since bacteria can travel through the bloodstream to the vital organs of the body.
Brushing Your Pet's Teeth
The best method of providing your pets with maximum health is through brushing. Brushing is done daily for maximum results. But twice or three times a week is not a bad idea either.
- Use a pet toothbrush, also known as a finger toothbrush,
- Use toothpaste for dogs or cats only; toothpaste intended for humans can prove toxic to them.
- Gradually intend to brush your pet while giving them time to get acquainted with the taste.
- Pay particular attention to the outer surfaces of your teeth, which tend to accumulate plaque.
Patience and encouragement help your pet to accept tooth brushing over time.
Dental Chews and Treats
While dental chews or treats may be useful as a supplement to tooth brushing, they are created to help in reducing plaque or tartar formation by the chewing action itself, or they may contain active agents to assist in controlling bacterial growth. In choosing dental treats:
- Look for products approved by a veterinary dental association.
- Choose the right fit for your pets to prevent choking.
- Use treats in moderation to limit the amount of calorie consumption.
While tooth treats are definitely beneficial, brushings should not be completely replaced by them.
Dental Toys
Chew toys, such as those that have rubber or nylon compositions, are effective instruments when used to clean teeth and massage his or her gums. For instance, special textures on dog chew toys make it easier to remove dental plaques naturally. Pet dental toys containing catnip are ideal for cat oral care. However, these items should be supervised and changed to prevent further injuries to your pet.
Diet and Oral Health
Dry kibble, besides helping remove plaque, also aids in a slight removal of build-up from the teeth, unlike soft or moist foods. Special kibble mixes exist that are geared toward fighting tartar build-up as well as helping improve the health of the gums. However, this should not be seen as a replacement for other hygiene measures.
Regular Veterinary Dental Checkups
It should not be overlooked that professional dental examination and check-up by pet veterinarians can prove to be valuable. Trained pet veterinarians can detect dental problems in pet animals even before the pet owner becomes aware of them. It is wise to avail of professional dental cleaning of pet animals at least once a year.
Watch for Warning Signs
Pet owners should watch for signs of dental problems such as:
- Bad breath
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Yellow or brown Tartar on teeth
- Drooling or difficulty with eating
- Pawing at the mouth or face
This not only enables timely treatment but also prevents further serious complications.
Conclusion
Maintaining a healthy oral hygiene in dogs and cats demands brushing regularly, healthy oral care products, a well-balanced diet, and veterinary care. Therefore, by adopting oral care as a healthy habit of having a pet, you would not only avoid any kind of oral health issues but provide a happy and healthy life to your pets.
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