Smile! A Guide to Dental Care for Your Furry Friend
Regular teeth brushing is part of a good canine health and wellness plan. photo: Dr. Radfar
If you’re a pet owner, you probably know how difficult it is to clean your furry friend’s teeth without feeling frustrated, winding up with toothpaste in your hair, or accidentally hurting your pet’s mouth. Many of us give up on the task altogether, hoping that if our dog doesn’t complain, everything’s fine.
Unfortunately, this couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, lack of regular dental cleaning can lead to periodontal disease, which, in turn, can cause other serious health issues for your dog or cat. According to a paper published in Today’s Veterinary Practice, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop some form of periodontal disease by age two.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria in plaque - which forms due to a lack of dental cleaning - infects the gums, causing inflammation and infection. The bacteria can then enter the bloodstream, leading to systemic illnesses affecting various parts of the pet’s body, such as the kidneys, liver, and heart. Additionally, pets suffering from periodontal disease are likely to experience mouth pain, which may affect their diet and temperament.
Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent periodontal disease and its consequences. By following these guidelines, you will not only save expensive vet bills, but also have a happier, healthier pet.
Practice Regular At-Home Dental Care
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, regularly cleaning your pet’s teeth is the single most effective thing you can do to keep their teeth and gums healthy between annual vet checkups. Regular at-home care may also reduce the frequency or even eliminate the need for expensive periodic dental cleaning by your veterinarian.
There are many options for home dental care, so which one to choose? That depends on your pet’s preferences, and how much time and patience you are willing to invest every day. For some, cleaning your pet’s teeth may be one of the biggest challenges you face as a pet owner, as some pets aren’t too thrilled by the process.
Three Ways to Clean Your Pet’s Teeth
There are three basic ways to clean your pet’s teeth, but whatever method you choose, always be sure that any products you use are made with safe, effective ingredients and free from harmful chemicals.
Brushing. This is the typical way to clean your pet’s teeth if your pet is trained and tolerates it. Done properly and regularly, brushing effectively removes plaque and tartar, helping to ward off periodontal disease. Never use human toothpaste on dogs, as it's not meant to be swallowed.
Wipes. Specially formulated dental wipes for dogs are an effective way to remove plaque in pets who don’t tolerate toothbrushes. Simply rub them against your dog’s teeth.
Water Additive. This is a solution you can add to your pet’s water bowl to help clean their teeth while they drink. It’s a hassle-free solution for maintaining oral health and can also combat bad breath.
Annual Dental Care By Your Vet
Once a year, take your pet to the vet for a comprehensive oral health assessment and, if necessary, a prophylaxis (dental cleaning) under general anesthesia. But don’t let an annual visit lull you into thinking you can slack off on your pet’s daily dental hygiene. A study conducted by Today’s Veterinary Practice showed that plaque begins to form on the tooth surfaces within 24 hours after a thorough cleaning, and gum pockets can become reinfected within two weeks if home care is neglected. The study also found that a lack of home care for just three weeks can result in gingivitis, a common form of gum disease.
So the next time you’re about to brush your teeth before bed, remember your furry family member also needs dental care. With regular attention, you can help keep that tail wagging with love for many more years to come.