Pet Dental Care: How to Maintain Your Pet’s Oral Health
The good news for dogs and cats is that they do not get cavities as easily as humans do. However, despite the long-held belief that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s, canines can still develop tartar and plaque accumulation and gingivitis. However, you should be concerned about more than simply foul breath and yellow teeth. As with people, these canine dental abnormalities can result in potentially fatal infections and conditions such as heart, liver, and kidney illness.
How to Keep Your Pet’s Teeth Healthy
We’ve included some helpful hints below on how to keep your pets’ mouths as healthy as your own.
Brush your pet’s teeth daily.
While we are all aware of the importance of daily oral care for our teeth, few people realize that pets require the same level of care daily. It’s preferable to begin this habit when your pet is young, as this will help them adjust fast. Even an elderly dog or cat, with plenty of positive reinforcement, can learn this new behavior.
Invest in tooth-friendly foods.
Crunchy kibble is preferable to canned pet food, which promotes tartar and plaque buildup. While many pet meals and treats promise to promote oral health in pets, not all of them do. Consult your veterinarian for advice on dental-specific diets.
Have your pet’s teeth examined at least once a year.
While you and your family may see the dentist on a semi-regular basis, the majority of people do not take their pets to places like Advanced Veterinary Care to have their teeth checked. You should visit your veterinarian at least once a year to have your pet’s oral health examined.
Be wary of treats and toys that can damage your pet’s teeth.
While toys and treats might assist in keeping your pet’s teeth clean, some can result in tooth fracture or premature tooth erosion. Additionally, bones and other goodies can fragment, resulting in choking or gastrointestinal harm. Offer rawhide, bones, or even nylon tennis balls to your pet only while you are present to supervise. When you must leave your pet alone, provide rubber balls or Kong toys instead to avoid any appointments with a veterinary surgeon in Poway CA.
Contact your vet immediately if you notice any dental health issues.
If you observe any of the following oral health problems in your pet, you may want to have their teeth evaluated by an expert on veterinary dentistry. :
- Teeth that are loose or cracked
- Foul breath
- Teeth discoloration
- Tartar-covered teeth
- Mouth bleeding
- Swelling of the mouth or surrounding area
- Unusual chewing or food dropping
- Drooling excessively
- Appetite loss or reluctance to eat
- Pain in or around the mouth that is noticeable
Conclusion
Dental care can be a pain for both humans and pets, but appropriate maintenance can be cost-effective and even lifesaving in the long run. Allowing it to go can result in future costly and frequently painful vet visits. If the accumulation is severe enough, many pets require anesthesia to clean their teeth and gums. Maintain a clean mouth for your pet, and both of you will smile.
