Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, affects more than 80% of pet cats and dogs. Fortunately, the most common forms of these diseases are largely preventable or treatable with appropriate preventive dental care and monitoring. In honor of Pet Dental Health month here are 4 tips to keep your four-legged companions happy and healthy.
1. Assess The Breath
It’s no secret that cats and dogs don’t always have fresh-smelling breath. Taking a quick whiff of your pet’s breath can help you tell if their teeth or gums are healthy. If your pet’s breath is really stinky, this could be a telling sign of a dental or gastrointestinal issue. If this is the case, we recommend making an appointment for your pet to see your veterinarian. Sometimes, dental issues can be written off as “normal” in our pets since they don’t have the same dental hygiene needs as humans, but it’s important to take these signs seriously.
If you would like to start paying more attention to your pet’s dental health, start by looking at your pet’s gums and teeth once a week. Just like in a human’s mouth, a pet should have pink gums and clean teeth. If gums are white or red, swollen, or have tartar, then you should ask if your vet recommends a professional cleaning. It’s never wrong to be too cautious in these scenarios.
2. How To Keep Your Pet’s Teeth Clean
Do you brush your pet’s teeth? Just like you, your pet needs to have regular teeth cleanings. Ideally every day, but realistically – brushing your pet’s teeth several times a week is a good way to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Don’t use a toothbrush like yours, and don’t use your toothpaste on your pet. Human toothpaste is designed to be rinsed from our mouths, not swallowed – so it is NOT SAFE for your pet. Your vet can suggest the correct toothbrush and toothpaste for your pet, or you can check out Agway of Cape Cod’s full selection of pet dental supplies.
Your pets most likely will not enjoy having their teeth brushed. You can help your pet adjust to a tooth brushing routine by gently massaging their teeth and gums with your finger or using your finger wrapped with gauze. Once your pet is comfortable with your finger or gauze cleaning, you can try a silicone finger brush or a special pet toothbrush. You can also ask your veterinarian to show you how to clean your pet’s teeth.
3. Try These Foods And Treats
It can be very difficult to effectively brush the teeth of pets who are resistant! As an alternative, there are a variety of pet foods and treats labeled as “tartar control.” Many of these snacks have a scrubbing effect on tartar and might be recommended by your veterinarian. Be careful and don’t overdo and use too many dental supplement treats. Treats are just that–treats!
It is always recommended to avoid giving your pet table scraps, even though we know that’s not always so easy. How can one say not to those adorable little faces? Many of the foods that we eat are not healthy for your pet and can build up on their teeth, which can cause tartar or dental problems to occur at an accelerated rate..
4. Try These Toys To Maintain Clean Teeth
To state the obvious, both dogs and cats like to chew on things. The chewing helps their teeth stay strong and clean. Gnawing on chew toys is also a stress reliever for our pets!
Gnawing and chewing helps clean food and tartar buildup from your pet’s teeth. It also massages their gums. Your veterinarian can recommend good chew toys or types of bones for your pet to gnaw and chew on. You can also check out our selection of chew toys here.
Spreading Pet Dental Health Awareness
All of us have so many thing on our plate to manage, especially parents! Dental health in pets isn’t always the top priority, and that’s completely understandable. With that being said, we are grateful for February to serve as a reminder to keep an eye on your pet’s teeth where and when you can. Doing so can prolong the life and quality of life of your pet, while also potentially sparing you of hefty medical bills down the line.
If you have any questions about teeth cleaning products, feel free to come and see us at any of our Agway locations and we can point you in the right direction.