February 25, 2020
You’ve always been told to brush your teeth twice a day, but what about your pet’s teeth? Just like us, pets need clean teeth in order to live a healthy lifestyle. February is Dental Health Awareness Month, and because practicing a strong dental health schedule can end up adding years to your pet’s life, we want to make sure all your questions are answered.
Dental disease is when plaque, tartar and bacteria build up on your pet’s teeth and become trapped under the gumline. The longer the bacteria stays trapped, the more likely it is to become absorbed by the animal’s bloodstream and can cause major organ damage.
Understanding the first signs of dental disease can be a lifesaving step to the long term health of your furry friend. Look out for:
In order to best prevent dental disease, we recommend brushing your pet’s teeth once daily and taking them to a vet for a professional cleaning once a year.
Dental cleaning is a stressful experience for most pets, and in order for the process to go smoothly, anesthesia is usually needed. Anesthesia is helpful for:
Yes, cats are at risk to dental disease as much as dogs. To make the process of brushing as easy as possible, start brushing their teeth as a kitten so they are accustomed to the task.
If introduced well, many dogs love having their teeth brushed! Our team put together a video to walk you through how to brush their teeth. Watch it here!
Your cat’s teeth are smaller than most dogs’, and because of this, it’s important to be very gentle when brushing. Begin by easily pushing your cat’s lip up and slowly introducing the toothbrush. Begin brushing by using circular motions close to the gumline. Don’t forget to give them praise and positive reinforcement.
Dental chews do help reduce plaque, tartar and improve bad breath. However, they should never be used in replacement of brushing your pet’s teeth. Brushing removes bacteria much more efficiently and is crucial for your pet’s dental care regimen. We do, however, think chews are a strong addition to help prevent dental disease. We recommend the following chews for your pet.
Most dogs have dental disease by the time they are 3-years old due to the quick process of building up plaque and bacteria. Because of this, establishing a consistent dental care plan is crucial when they are a puppy through adulthood. If you brush your dog’s teeth multiple times a week, you have a much higher chance of avoiding dental disease.
Never brush your pet’s teeth with toothpaste made for people as the ingredients can be harmful to them. Instead, use a pet toothpaste – there are many different kinds that are flavored to make the process enjoyable for your pet. For the tool, consider purchasing a dog toothbrush, a finger toothbrush or a child’s toothbrush.
If you live in the Raleigh, NC area and would like to schedule a professional dental cleaning for your pet or want to ask us any questions about dental health, contact Care First Animal Hospital today!
