PET DENTAL HEALTH MONTH 2019
February is National Pet Dental Health Month. Pet dental health month raises awareness regarding pet’s dental care needs. Dental hygiene is equally important to a pet’s health as is nutrition and exercise. Pets, both dogs and cats, benefit from a good oral care regimen. Learn the signs of dental disease, the benefits of staying on top of your pet’s dental health and explore innovative solutions to this common problem.
Pet Dental Health: Signs of Dental Disease
A large percentage of pets develop some form of oral disease. Most pets already have signs of dental disease by age 3. Beware of bad breath! This can be a warning sign for the onset of periodontal disease. The most common dental condition in dogs and cats is gingivitis. Left unchecked, gingivitis leads to periodontal gum disease. Initially, bacteria, food particles and saliva combine and collect in between the gums and teeth, which hardens into tartar. Above the gum line, it is easily visible. Plaque and tartar below the gum line is damaging and can set the stage for infection and damage to the gum tissues that connect the teeth to the jawline. Once gum recession occurs, the teeth have less support and structure to keep them in place. Prolonged gum recession can cause tooth loss. Some of the main signs of dental disease in pets:
- Halitosis/Bad breath
- Pawing at the mouth
- Excessive drooling
- Swelling under the eye
- Yellow/brown teeth
- Red or inflamed gums
Pet Dental Health: Reasons To Be Proactive
Serious consequences can occur when your pet’s dental health is not addressed and can lead to more severe secondary diseases like heart or kidney infection. A pet in dental pain is not a happy pet and the pain can effect their ability to eat, which can result in weight loss and malnutrition. Take a proactive approach to pet dental health and realize many benefits:
- Prevent periodontal disease
- Avoid loose teeth
- Alleviate pain
- Increase lifespan
- Improve breath
- Whiter teeth
- Save on vet dental cleanings
- Avoid anesthesia
Pet Dental Health: How to Care for Your Pet’s Teeth
1. Brush! It may seem daunting at first but with patience and plenty of rewards, you can turn brushing your pet’s teeth into a pleasurable experience. It may take several weeks or months to train your pet to be comfortable with tooth brushing but it is achievable. Start by letting your pet smell the toothbrush and toothpaste, giving treats abundantly. Next, put the brush in the mouth with a treat on it. Repeat with toothpaste and a treat. Work your way up to brushing for 30 seconds on each side of the mouth, top and bottom, 4 sides total. The goal is to brush daily.
2. Embrace dental toys, chews treats, raw vegetables and uncooked bones. Dental treats and chews help keep the teeth clean in between brushings. Knotted, sisal or hemp rope toys help dogs and cats clean their teeth. As well as fibor rich raw vegetables such as carrots and celery. Other options include:
- Oral chews and treats containing natural tartar reducing enzymes
- Rope or loofah chew toys
- Elk antlers
- Bully sticks
- Non rawhide chews
- Raw meaty bones
3. Conduct an oral inspection frequently. Look for bumps, inflamed gums, bleeding, loose teeth, plaque and tartar build-up.
4. All natural supplements in powder and treat form that address dental issues systemically with tartar breaking seaweed.
Pet Dental Health: Helpful Tips
- Start brushing your pet’s teeth as early as possible. Getting puppies and kittens accustomed to a toothbrush early in life is critical. Reward often in the beginning.
- Remove food particles from the teeth and gum line through brushing, flossing and giving them hard and fibrous things on which to chew.
- Avoid dental products containing Xylitol as it is highly toxic to dogs and harmful to cats.
- Never use human toothpaste. It contains fluoride. Dogs and cats do not spit.
- Give chews daily.
- Check your pet’s mouth on the 1st of every month.
Pet Dental Health: Take Action!
Armed with the causes, risks and benefits of pet dental health, it is now time to develop a dental health program for your pet that works for everyone involved. We can help! We assist customers on a daily basis with formulating a plan that, when followed as directed, can add years to your pet’s life. Stop in during National Pet Dental Month and do your pet a great service. The time is now!