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5 Essential Tips to Maintain Your Pet’s Oral Health
- By The Pet Bodega
Did you know that you should brush your dog’s (and your cat’s) teeth? Many pet owners do not know that their pet could be affected by periodontal disease by the age of three! Many pets are sensitive to getting their oral cavities infected due to the presence of bacteria. Dogs and cats are very sensitive to getting these dental issues, which is why taking care of your cat and/or dog’s teeth care is critical. You cannot miss this step! But how do you get started with an effective pet dental care routine?
Brushing your pet’s teeth should be a regular thing. It can include visits to the vet for dental exams or setting up dental cleanings. The best pet care starts at home by having a regular, at-home brushing schedule going. Many pet owners also include treats that help brush plaque and tartar off of your pet’s gums! You can build a simple and effective routine by incorporating all of the dental care tips below to ensure strong oral hygiene for you pets. Keep reading!
Shop Pet DentalVisit the Dentist Regularly
To prevent diseases and issues affecting your pet’s oral cavity, it is essential to keep visiting your vet. Take your pet for dental check-ups and cleanings in addition to their regular health check-ups.
Dental disease in dogs presents itself through various symptoms like:
- Extremely red gums
- Yellow and brown tartar
- Changed color of saliva
- Swelling of the mouth
However, the physical symptoms may not always reveal the underlying problem, which is why a regular dental exam is necessary. The exact dental program for every pet differs, but an annual check-up and dental cleaning session after the age of 3 is a good place to start.
Brush your Pet’s Teeth Regularly
While dental cleaning done by vets is a great place to start for pet teeth cleaning, you must also make sure to take care of your pet’s teeth at home. It should be a habit to brush your pet’s teeth almost daily. Some people may think brushing once a week or only a few times a week is enough. However, this is not true.
Most dogs are at a high risk of getting infections from the accumulated bacteria in their mouths. As such, daily brushing can save you a lot of stress due to its ability to prevent the buildup of these harmful organisms.
It might be difficult to get your pet familiar with the sensation of brushing when starting out, so remember to be gentle. Start out by massaging your pet’s teeth and gums to get them comfortable with the touch. When they are used to you being around their mouth, get a pet dental care brush with soft bristles. Use toothpaste specifically formulated for pets and move the brush in round motions for at least 30 seconds on both sides of the mouth. You can even try a mint foam that can be sprayed directly onto teeth and gums to kill germs that cause bad breath, gingivitis, and plaque.
Give ’em Chew Bones and Chew Treats
Another tip in dental care for pets is to get some chew toys and treats for your pet! These treats are specially made to strengthen the teeth and gums. When the pet chews on them, they help keep plaque and tartar under control.
There are also several treats that build a barrier on the tooth surface to reduce the accumulation of harmful bacteria and other substances. Consult your vet regarding the best ones for your pet and stick to products approved by the veterinary oral health council.
Avoid Human Foods and Sweets
Dog owners are often tempted to give their pets certain sweets, candy, and other that food they eat themselves. However, this is not the best practice in pet dental care or at any time! Never give your pet excessive treats to maintain oral health. This is especially relevant for human food, which may be safe but high in carbs and sugar.
Put your Pet on a Special Dental Diet
You can also put your dog on a special dental diet designed to improve pet oral health. This special dental food is made with kernel coverings that act as protective agents.
The kernels or kibbles remove tartar buildup from the teeth, keeping them healthy and strong. The special diet also prevents oral infections and dental diseases in pets. Make sure to consult your veterinarian before putting your pet on any diet.
FAQs
How to Keep Dogs’ Teeth Clean?
Following a simple routine is enough to maintain the health of your dog’s teeth. Get your dog’s oral cavity checked by your vet and go for regular dog teeth cleaning sessions to maintain its health.
Make sure to brush daily. Utilize chew treats and dental food to further help prevent the buildup of tartar and bacteria. Consistently keep working at it, and your dog will be safe from a lot of oral health hassles.
How to Clean Dog Teeth Without Brushing?
Brushing is all great, but what if your pet absolutely refuses to get its teeth brushed? Luckily, brushing is not the only method of dental care for dogs. You can use special tools and materials such as chew toys, dental food, chew treats, dental wipes, oral spray and gels, and even simple coconut oil to clean your dog’s teeth without brushing them.
How do I Care for My Cat’s Teeth?
Cat dental care steps are also similar to the steps for dogs mentioned above. Brush their teeth regularly, take them to a vet, feed them dry dental food and use wipes to keep the teeth clean. Be gentle in introducing them to all these changes, as cats can be much more resistant to change compared to dogs.
Wrap Up
Pet dental care is a full-time job, and you cannot leave it entirely to your vet (although it helps!). You need to be vigilant yourself and take steps at home to maintain their oral health. Dogs and cats are prone to several oral diseases due to the presence of bacteria in their mouths. If you don’t care for their oral health, these infections can spread over the years causing serious issues!
So, make sure to follow all the tips above to build an effective dental care routine. Remember, whether pet or human, simple steps toward good hygiene go a long way!
