Dental health is critical to your dog’s or cat’s general wellness. Are you familiar with the symptoms of periodontal disease in pets? If this issue is not recognized and treated promptly, it can progress to more serious health problems, including kidney, liver, and cardiac functioning. It’s critical to understand the causes of dental problems and recognize periodontal disease signs in your pet.
When do dental issues start in pets?
In pets, dental problems begin when plaque hardens into tartar. While tartar may easily be seen and cleaned above the gum line, plaque below the gum line is detrimental and sets the stage for infection and jawbone injury. In order to detect early signs of a problem and to maintain your pet’s mouth healthy, Professional pet care specialists should inspect your pet’s teeth at least once every year.
Promoting Your Pets Oral Health
The following are some methods for promoting your pet’s oral health. Consult your veterinarian to learn more on the most appropriate oral health plan for your cat or dog based on your lifestyle.
Professional Cleaning
A professional tooth cleaning should be initiated by your dog or cat around the age of one or two years, depending on its size, according to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Your pet will be sedated so that each tooth, especially those behind the gum line, receives the attention and care it deserves and also aids in the prevention of dog tooth extraction.
Home Care
A program of at-home dental treatment for your pet is critical for tooth upkeep. Veterinary professionals urge that pet owners wash their pets’ teeth regularly and, if feasible, many times a week. This will assist in removing the majority of plaque before it mineralizes into tartar.
To help your pet feel more comfortable with the use of a toothbrush, you can prepare their teeth with a dental wipe or gauze pad before brushing them. While most dogs tolerate brushing, cats can be a little more stubborn. Bear in mind that your pet will become more comfortable with regular cleanings.
Dental Treats
Along with professional cleanings and an at-home care routine, certain pet food and treat products enhance dental health for cats and dogs. Certain treats and pet foods can help freshen your pet’s breath, while others may have a crunchy texture that aids in tooth cleaning and tartar reduction.
When pet food makers make a dental claim on the label, the product will also explain how the benefit is accomplished (e.g., “with ridges to scrape teeth” or “with peppermint to help freshen breath.”) These claim requirements are contained in The Association of American Feed Control Officials’ model regulations for pet food (AAFCO). While at the vet, also ask other things like pet spay surgery to learn about the other services that can make your pets life more comfortable.
The Takeaway
While many pet owners believe that appropriate pet dental hygiene is all about avoiding the morning scent of doggy breath, regular pet dental hygiene benefits extend far beyond fresher smelling puppy kisses. Indeed, it may substantially impact your pet’s general health. Dogs and cats have been domesticated to the point where the natural tools these animals used to keep their teeth clean and flossed have been virtually eradicated. Today, pet owners are responsible for meeting this demand. In some circumstances, the needs may exceed your capacity to provide care.
