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February is the national month of dental health of pets. That's right, pets also have teeth. This awareness month highlights the importance of dental diseases in dogs and cats and their impact on their health and well-being.
If you have not checked the teeth of your animals recently, now is the time to take a look. Chances are good that your Fido and Fluffy have a dental disease.
Three quarters of dogs and cats have periodontal disease before the age of 3 years. This is the most common form of dental disease in pets. Over time, the incidence and severity of periodontitis do the same. Bad breath is a tell-tale sign of this disease.
There are many types of painful dental diseases that affect our pets. Other common conditions include fractures and abscesses of the teeth, discolored and dead teeth, preserved denture teeth or non-pierced adult teeth, and oral or mbad ulcers.
Although plaque and calculus may form on the outside of the tooth, it is of greater concern that this bacterial matrix is deposited below the gum line and invades the structures that hold the roots of the teeth in place. This is periodontal disease. And it's important because it destroys the structures that hold the teeth in your mouth. Periodontitis can also cause diseases in other systems of the body, which is painful.
Fortunately, periodontal disease in pets is preventable. In-home dental programs are the mainstay of periodontitis prevention. However, if Fido or Fluffy already has dental tartar and oral disease, home dental care will not solve the problem. Your veterinarian will first need professional treatment from a veterinarian with dental expertise to establish a healthy mouth.
A combination of home dental care and professional dental care is the best way to achieve long-term oral health. This is not a surprise, as human dentists tell us the same thing: keep our pearly whites in perfect condition.
Here are some helpful tips to familiarize yourself with Fido and Fluffy dental home care:
Oral badessment. Bring your pet to a dental veterinarian for an oral exam. If Fido or Fluffy have a sore mouth, they can resist your dental routine. Painful teeth should be treated before starting a home dental plan.
Just do it. Most homeowners want to create a home dental plan for their pet, but they procrastinate. Just make it part of your routine. It's easy and it does not take long. Home dental care does not help your Fido or fluff unless you do it practically every day.
Veterinary Oral Health Council. This independent group of researchers in dentistry and veterinary dentists examines dental products for pets. Products that successfully control plaque or tartar receive their seal of approval. Finding the VOHC seal on dental packaging for your pet is a guarantee of the effectiveness of the product.
Brushing teeth. At the same time inexpensive and easy, brushing teeth prevents periodontal diseases in pets. Several secrets will help make it a success: 1) Soft-bristled toothbrushes for humans are good for medium and large dogs. Your veterinarian can recommend a small special toothbrush for small Fido and Fluffy. 2) Use a toothpaste specially designed for dogs and cats. They come in delicious flavors like chicken and seafood. 3) Train your pet to accept this brushing routine. Ask your veterinary team to teach you how to succeed. 4) Be careful with finger brushes. Rubber bristles may be too stiff. In addition, meat toothpastes can cause Fido to confuse your finger with a treat. Ouch! 5) Brushing your teeth costs only a few cents a day, but it's the absolute norm to prevent periodontal diseases in pets. Just do it!
Dental diets. You still feed your pet, so why not choose a diet designed to prevent periodontal disease? Despite conventional wisdom, regular dry foods do not promote clean teeth or healthy mouths. However, VOHC approved plans are a great option. They are specially formulated to scrape the soft plaque of teeth whenever Fido or Fluffy eats.
Dental treats. Dental treats are fun, tasty and so easy. Every animal parent loves to give treats. And the recipient is usually happy to oblige! For best results, choose treats with the VOHC seal on the package. Do not forget that even dental treats are caloric, so keep an eye on the size of Fido and Fluffy.
Additives of water. This is a nice option for daily dental home care. There are different formulations, but most are available as concentrates and are added to the animal's drinking water. Be aware, however, that the effectiveness of many pet water additives is debatable as they are not approved by the VOHC. If you choose water additives for Fido and Fluffy Home Dental Care, look for the VHC seal on the package.
Fortunately, periodontitis is a preventable disease. The more you do at home, the more your four-legged friend will be happy and comfortable.
Dr. Heidi Bbadler practices at the Bbadler Veterinary Hospital at Crossroads Plaza in Salisbury. Do you have questions for her? Send them to [email protected].
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