Pearly Whites for Frisky & Fido: Pet Dental Care 101
Twice-a-day brushings. Regular visits to the dentist. Mouthwash to kill germs. Flossing (well, sometimes). You take care of your teeth and mouth, right?
As a pet owner, taking care of Frisky’s and Fido’s dental health is very important as well. Here’s some information on how you can help your furry friends keep a healthy set of chompers and gums. And the added bonus? Better breath when you get those sloppy kisses from your pet!
Here’s the facts:
- Amazingly, the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) reports that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by the time they’re 3 years old.
- Periodontal (gum) disease is the number-one diagnosed problem in dogs and cats. Yikes! Even scarier? Dental disease doesn’t affect just the mouth; it can affect your pet’s whole body (especially the heart, lungs and kidneys).
According to the AVDS, there are three basic steps to follow to ensure good oral health for your pets – entailing (no pun intended!) both professional and home care:
Step 1: If you suspect a problem, take your pet to the veterinarian for a dental exam. Don’t wait! What are some “red flags” to look for? Bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face or mouth, red gums, bleeding from the mouth, loose teeth, or withdrawal/depression. Make it a point to regularly – and carefully – take a look in your pet’s mouth. If you spot a problem, ring your vet.
Step 2: Following advice from your vet, start a dental care regimen at home. The vet may tell you to start brushing your pet’s teeth on a regular basis (see below for how-to resources) or to switch to a certain type of pet food. Some foods are specially designed to combat plaque and tarter buildup. Note: It’s a myth that any old dry food acts like a toothbrush for your pet. In fact, traditional hard foods have little to no dental benefit. Ask your vet about toys and treats that are recommended for curbing plaque and tartar buildup. (Your pet will thank you!)
Step 3: Schedule regular veterinary checkups. As with most health issues, preventive care and early detection of dental problems are key! During regular checkups, your veterinarian can perform oral exams and monitor your pet’s dental health on an ongoing basis. Just like with human dental care, routine dental cleanings at the veterinarian’s office help to prevent gum disease in your pet. They also allow the vet to perform an even more complete exam because the pet is under general anesthesia.
Remember, even though preventive care may seem expensive, if it is not done, the costs to manage advanced dental disease can become much, much higher. Caring for your pet’s teeth and gums is crucial for overall health. Following these three steps will help to make sure Frisky and Fido can smile and meow/bark “CHEESE” for years to come!
