Many pet parents do not realize that brushing your pets teeth is just as important as brushing your own. Just as people can get different dental diseases so can dogs and cats. Over the years tarter that builds up on your pup’s teeth will soon turn to plaque; their teeth will yellow and they can start to get bad breath. If not taken care of their teeth will begin to decay. In extreme cases poor dental health can also cause gum disease, which has been linked to heart disease. There are three ways to help keep your pets teeth clean: Diet, dental treats/bones and brushing your pet’s teeth at home.
Diet:
Diet is instrumental to many things including your pet’s teeth. Dry food is better then wet or soft food, as the dry, hard kibble helps keeps tarter to a minimum. Wet or soft food sticks to the teeth easier. If your pet is on a special diet, where they must have soft or wet food, it would be best to try and brush their teeth after such meals.
Dental treats and Bones:
Another great way to help reduce tarter on your pet’s teeth is to provide them with dental treats and hard bones for them to chew on. These treats and bones allow them to enjoy a treat while scraping off excess tarter from their teeth through chewing. Dental treats to try include:
- Greenies
- Kirkland Dental Chews
- Milk-Bone Brushing Chews
At Home Teeth Brushing:
Many stores now sell toothbrushes for pets that look similar to our own and smaller finger tooth brushes. It is best to try both out to determine what works best for you and your pet. Most pet stores will sell flavored doggie toothpaste as well. Never brush your dog or cats’ teeth with toothpaste meant for humans, as it is very toxic to them. Many pet parents find it very difficult to brush their pet’s teeth because they may not like it. Fear not, if you don’t have the time or are just having a hard time with it, come see one of our groomers or go to your veterinarian. Our groomers can show you the best tips and tricks to make brushing their teeth a little easier. Our store in Encinitas is conveniently located between areas such as: Carlsbad, Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe. Save time and money down the road by keeping your pets teeth clean.
When To See Your Vet:
No matter the age of your pet, if they begin to show any of the signs listed below it may be time for them to see a Veterinarian.
- Unusually growths in the mouth
- Excessively salivating
- Bleeding gums
- Broken or missing teeth
- Bad breath
- Eating less (which could be linked to painful chewing due to teeth decay)
Veterinarians recommend that your pet should get their teeth professional cleaned every five to six years. Many times upon deep cleaning, veterinarians will find teeth too far decayed too save. The best way to keep your pets teeth clean and prevent them from decaying is to simply brush them at least once to twice a week.
For more questions regarding dog and cat toothbrushes and brushing dogs and cats teeth please call us at (760) 452-4166 or visit our website at www.pawcommons.com.