Just like with your own teeth, your pet’s oral health requires attention. If something were to happen to their teeth or gums, it might result in protracted agony and expensive veterinarian care to address the issue. Acting as soon as you become aware of an issue is crucial because if a condition is not treated, it may eventually force you to put an animal to sleep if it continues to get worse over time.
In general, adult dogs have 42 teeth, compared to adult cats’ 30. Setting up a proper oral hygiene practice for your pet when they are still pups or kittens can make the process much simpler and more natural to them. Sugary snacks should be avoided whenever possible because they can cause decay and plaque development, just like with people.
Signs of dental health problems
There are a number of signs that your dog or cat may be experiencing a mouth issue. Altering how you care for their teeth and gums can help to make things better right away, but it is strongly encouraged that you visit your local vet if the symptoms persist or fall on the lower end of the following list.
- Bad breath
- Sensitivity in the mouth when eating or drinking
- The inability to chew food normally
- Drooling
- Teeth that are loose or are falling out
- Inflamed or bleeding gums
- Loss of appetite
Cleaning cats and dogs teeth
While some pets enjoy having their teeth brushed, others find it to be quite stressful and will fight to avoid it. Human toothpaste should not be used as it includes fluoride, which can poison the body with heavy metals. To give your pet a reason to behave, try to tie tooth brushing to a treat that will be given to them later. As with people, it won’t be essential to brush their teeth for 2-3 minutes at a time. Regularly spending only a few seconds on your mouth can do wonders for its health.
A three-sided Arm and Hammer toothbrush will fit securely in the mouth and make the process much simpler. This toothbrush will reach all areas of your pet’s gums. Johnson’s Dog/Cat Triple Action Toothpaste has a delectable chicken flavor that will appeal to your pet more while also protecting gums, cleaning teeth, and maintaining fresh breath.
Toys that can remove plaque
Should cleaning the teeth not be a possibility, several toys can also assist in removing plaque. They are made to use a dog’s natural chewing instinct to maintain healthy gums and teeth by massaging the gums.
For instance, the Pennine Mighty Mouth Blue Dental Ring Dog Toy has a textured design that will work in between the teeth to remove any plaque and dirt.
Food can help keep the mouth healthy
Another approach for effectively and calmly brushing your pet’s teeth is with food and incentives. Many pet food manufacturers produce special versions of their products designed for treating dental problems and maintaining healthy teeth. They not only taste fantastic but also have the potential to lessen plaque and maintain fresh breath.
One such is Canagan Dental Free Run Turkey Grain Free Dry Dog Food, which contains their exclusive ProDen PlaqueOff solution. With their crunchy and porous texture, Dentalife Salmon Cat Treats are made specifically for cats to maintain optimum oral health.
