Top 5 Dental Care Tips for Your Pets

When it comes to pet health, many parents don’t understand the need for dental care. Some studies have shown that most pets show signs of periodontal disease by the time they turn three years. One of the common symptoms of the medical condition is bad breath, which many owners believe is normal in pets.

 

Although it may not be minty fresh, your furry friend’s breath shouldn’t be too bad to make you gag. If your dog has periodontal disease, they may experience serious health complications. Therefore every pet parent should ensure proper oral hygiene at all times. Failure to treat the dental problem can lead to tooth loss and other infections, which may affect all parts of their body.

 

Failure to ensure adequate dental care for your pet can result in the falling of their teeth, which may be a painful experience. In some cases, periodontal diseases may result in an increased risk of jaw damage and cardiovascular complications.

 

This is because harmful bacteria can get into the bloodstream and affect the functioning of the heart. Many researchers have linked the two medical conditions in pets to long-term periodontal disease. The following are seven dental care tips for your furry friend:

 

Brush Their Teeth Regularly

 

Yes. This may sound silly for some pet parents. However, it is an effective way of preventing plaque accumulation. If you cannot brush the teeth daily, ensure you do it as often as possible. Some of them may not be fond of the exercise. Therefore, you need to take some time to train them to have their teeth cleaned regularly.

 

There are several considerations for pet owners when it comes to brushing their teeth. First, ensure you only use toothpaste specifically meant for them. Note that some of the common ingredients in toothpaste for humans may harm your furry friend. Most types of toothpaste for pets have a chicken flavor. Also, make sure you use a toothbrush designed for them.

 

Visit Your Veterinarian

 

Taking your pet to the veterinarian for teeth cleaning and checkup is vital. When you visit, the experts will examine them and evaluate whether there’s dental tartar or medical complications that need treatment. For example, in case of an oral infection, a veterinarian may recommend pulling the affected teeth to prevent more health issues.

 

Your dog or cat doesn’t need to go through that. By going for an annual or bi-annual checkup, your veterinarian will examine their teeth and recommend the best practices to avoid such issues. For example, they will identify signs such as reddened gums and tartar buildup.

 

Ensure They Get Natural Chews

 

One of the simplest ways of removing dirt and bacteria on a pet’s teeth is ensuring they have a long gnaw on a natural bone. Many experts recommend offering them marrow bones as they are softer and cannot damage the teeth. Avoid giving the furry friends hard items such as hooves. Also, ensure you monitor them while chewing bones. Note that small pieces may cause choking for your cat or dog.

 

Give Them Dental Treats

 

Nowadays, you can find many treats, which contain ingredients that may boost your pet’s dental health. For example, you can use them to make their teeth stronger and prevent oral problems. Some veterinarians recommend using abrasive biscuits as they act as natural cleaning products, helping to avoid the buildup of debris.

 

Try Tooth Wipes

If you are looking for a new pet dental care technique or cannot get a toothbrush specifically designed for your dog, consider using dog tooth wipes. Rub them against the pets’ teeth to remove tartar. They work like toothbrushes and provide an easier way of cleaning the teeth. One of the drawbacks of using them is that they cannot get into tiny nooks.