Did you know that dogs and cats require oral health care & treatment just like you and me?!
Dogs and cats require proper oral health care to keep their teeth strong. It is recorded that 85% of pets will have periodontal disease by 3 years old. Although dental disease is a very harmful health problem, there are ways to help prevent it!
What Do Healthy Teeth Look Like?
In a healthy mouth, a pet’s teeth will look white, clean, and with gums attached strongly to each tooth. There should be no redness or built-up tartar on the teeth. Your pet should also show no signs of discomfort while eating such as favouring one side of their mouth.
If we do not regularly brush our pets’ teeth, plaque builds up and over time results in tarter. Tarter can then lead to bacteria to develop and live around the tooth resulting in inflammation and tenderness.
What Do I Do As a Pet Owner?!
Fortunately, there is a lot to do to help keep your pet’s smile looking healthy and white! A good first step is to ease regular tooth brushing into your daily routine with your pet. According to the Ontario SPCA, it is suggested to brush your pet’s teeth 4 times a week if not every day! Pets may not like having their teeth brushed at first. Therefore, it is important to introduce toothbrushing gradually over time and make the process a positive one.
Tooth Brush & Toothpaste
Did you know there are options available for toothpaste and toothbrushes specifically designed for our pet’s mouths? Simcoe Veterinary Hospital has some options available that you can ask about on your next visit. Pet toothpaste comes in a variety of pet-friendly flavors and is expected to be swallowed, unlike human toothpaste.
Wellness Visits
It is also important to bring your pet in for regular wellness visits to have one of our veterinarians assess your pet’s teeth and help provide direction going forward when it comes to their oral health.
Diet
Another important factor is diet. Many veterinarian-recommended dog/cat foods have the option of a dental diet. Discussing this option at your next wellness visit is a great way to help ensure your pet’s oral health starts off great with their morning breakfast!
Do’s and Don’t of Brushing your pets’ teeth:
- Do NOT use human toothpaste when brushing your pet’s teeth.
- Do NOT consider dental home care as an alternative to veterinarian exam/ oral health care.
- DO try to brush your pet’s teeth daily!
- DO try using a toothbrush with no toothpaste at first to get your pet use to having the toothbrush in their mouth.
Happy brushing friends!
Sources
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951515