Pet Dental Health
February is National Pet Dental Health month. Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s regular care, but a lot of pet parents fall short on keeping a regular dental health routine for their dog or cat.
When dental health is ignored, dental disease can occur. Dental disease starts with plaque buildup, which eventually can lead to gingivitis, infection, or loss of teeth over time. Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen by veterinarians. With over 80% of dogs and 85% of cats over the age of three having active dental disease in the United States.
Here are the best ways to keep your dog and cat’s teeth clean:
Brush their teeth 2-3 times per week. This is the best way to ensure your pet’s teeth will be cleaned. Pet toothpaste is available at most pet supply stores with flavors that are suited to your pet’s tastebuds, such as chicken, beef, and peanut butter flavors. Pet stores also sell toothbrushes designed for dog or cat mouths. At first, your pet may not like their teeth brushed but with some positive reinforcement training, brushing their teeth can become a part of their regular health care routine.
2. Add a dental additive to their water. There are several different water additives available online or at your local pet store. These oral solutions are tasteless, so your pet won’t even know that you are cleaning their teeth! Just follow the directions on the bottle and the additive will help freshen your pet’s breath and kill plaque-building bacteria.
3. Ask your vet about prescription dental food or treats. Some pet food companies make prescription dental food that has been clinically proven to help reduce dental disease in pets. The kibble is larger than normal, so it cleans the surface of their teeth, reducing tartar buildup. The kibble also contains ingredients that help to kill bacteria that lead to plaque and tartar formation. Some kibble can be fed as a diet or given as a daily treat. Talk to your vet for more information!
4. Take your pet in for regular dental cleanings. Just like humans need to visit the dentist periodically, the same is true for our pets. When enough tartar and gingivitis are present in your pet’s mouth, your veterinarian will recommend a dental cleaning.