Pet Dental Care
My-Dog.info > Dog Health
by Catherine McManus, Forest Glen Veterinary Treatment
Facility Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
You want me to brush my cat's what?
Yes, we do want you to brush your cat's, and your dog's,
teeth. And no, we are not crazy.
Just like you, your pet needs dental care. I know what you're
going to say: "Doc, I have always had dogs and I never had
to brush their teeth!"
My response will be: "We did not know better in the past,
but now we do."
Dental disease is a serious condition that threatens the
well-being of our pets. First, bacteria-laden plaque takes hold
of teeth. Next, the plaque mineralizes into tartar. Eventually
this tartar begins to destroy the gumline.
Once the gumline is destroyed, the teeth become unstable and
tooth loss can occur. Dental disease will only worsen as an
animal ages.
Can you imagine what it would feel like to never brush your
teeth? When you skip one night, you can feel the fuzz growing on
your teeth and your tongue by the next morning.
This is what happens to our pets year after year. The American
Veterinary Dental Society states that by 3 years of age, 80
percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats will show signs of gum
disease.
Unfortunately, cats and small-breed dogs are at an increased
risk for dental disease.
The signs of a dental problem could be bad breath,
yellow-brown crust on teeth, bleeding from the gums, difficulty
eating, abnormal drooling, dropping food from the mouth,
swallowing food without chewing, losing teeth and pain when the
mouth is manipulated.
I know that it goes against what we believe, but dogs are not
supposed to have dog breath.
At your pet's annual veterinary visit, the veterinarian will
evaluate the status of your pet's oral health. The doctor will
then make a recommendation about how to improve or maintain your
pet's mouth.
If you want to begin to brush your pet's teeth, we suggest
starting this practice at an early age. Working with the animal's
mouth while he or she is young will get your pet used to the
feeling.
However, you can teach an old dog new tricks. Patience,
dedication and treats may be necessary.
An important point is not to use human toothpaste. You must
use toothpaste that is especially formulated for dogs and cats.
Unfortunately, to significantly affect the well-being of your
pet's mouth, you must brush your pet's teeth every day. Pets can
put some gross things in their mouths, yet that is no reason to
deny them proper oral care. A healthy mouth is vital to overall
health. Plus, it will make you feel better about your next kiss
from Fido.
|
 |
|
|
Save big on quality brand name pet meds and other pet supplies!
Pet Shed is the premier source for discount pet supplies on the Internet. Heartgard heartworm, Frontline Plus flea control, Advantage flea control, Revolution flea & heartworm, and many other pet medications.
|
