14 Jan Pet Dental Health Made Easy
How can pet parents simplify dental care for their pets and ensure their fur babies live happy, healthy lives? Dental health is an extremely important piece of your pet’s overall health. The same basics we apply to our own dental care also apply to pet dental care. By the age of three, 70% of cats and 80% of dogs have some form of periodontal disease. The easiest way to take care of your pet’s dental needs is by taking some simple, routine measures. Our team at Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery believes prevention is key when it comes to pet dental health! Read on for tips on how to simplify dental care for your furry friend.
1. Keep Brushing
Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly is one of the easiest ways to ensure her optimal oral health, and this contributes significantly to her overall wellness. A variety of affordable toothbrushes and toothpastes exist for cats and dogs alike. While human toothpaste is toxic to pets, specially formulated toothpastes in flavors like chicken and peanut butter, will keep your pet interested as you introduce a daily brushing routine.
Let your pet smell and taste a small amount of toothpaste before you begin. Using a pet toothbrush or finger-brush, begin gently brushing her teeth in a circular motion, with bristles pointed toward the gum line. There is no need to rinse pet toothpaste. Performing this simple action with your pet daily will keep tartar and plaque from building up on her teeth, which will protect her from periodontal disease and the serious health issues that can come with it.
2. Fill the Water Bowl
Make sure your pet always has plenty of fresh water available to drink. Drinking water helps keep teeth and gums healthy. Some pet parents use dental additives in their pet’s water bowl. These are odorless and flavorless enzymatic solutions that fight plaque and tartar while your pet drinks.
3. Consider Pet Dental Products
A variety of dental products exists for pets, from dental diet foods to dental gels and powders. Which products are right for your furry friend? We recommend doing plenty of research and talking with your veterinary dentist while choosing which of these is right for your dog or cat. Several leave-on gels exist that remove tartar from your pet’s teeth and freshen her breath without brushing. These can be used as an alternative if your pet is highly resistant to having her teeth brushed. Another option is a natural dental powder that can be added to your pet’s food or water. Once your pet ingests it, it works systemically to break down plaque and improve oral health.
4. Give Dental Treats & Toys
Chewing is great for your pet’s teeth. It can alleviate the pain of incoming teeth, strengthen jaws, and keep teeth clean. There is a wide array of pet dental treats and toys on the market—both edible and inedible. Do your research, read ingredient lists, and talk to your veterinary dentist to choose dental treats and toys that are right for your pet.
5. Schedule Regular Exams & Cleanings
As always, scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings for your pet is a priority when it comes to her overall health. During a check-up, your veterinary dentist will be able to look at your pet’s tongue, teeth, and gums—spotting any possible oral issues early. Regular cleanings will provide a thorough removal of plaque and tartar build-up on your pet’s teeth. Your veterinary dentist will be able to remove tartar and plaque that may be hard to reach during daily brushings—between teeth and in the back of the mouth. Regular cleanings with your vet dentist go a long way in preventing periodontal disease and keeping your pet healthy.
Contact Us Today!
Pet dental health doesn’t have to be complicated. Our team at Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery in Loveland want to assist you in implementing simple preventative measures that can keep your fur baby healthy and living her best life! Call us today at 970-614-4307 or contact us online with questions about your pet’s dental care routine—or to schedule your pet’s dental check-up and cleaning.