When taking care of your pet’s health, the thought of what their teeth might be like is one that some of us don’t often consider.
I mean, you’d think that bones and chew toys, at least with dogs, and their general food would keep them in check right?
However, just like us, you’d actually be surprised to know that many other health factors can be analysed and brought to your attention when you look inside your pet’s mouth.
While the thought of a dog’s stinky breath or your pet’s last meal may not be appealing, taking the time to gauge their health through their mouth can actually help them live a fulfilling and rich life.
Therefore, let me give you some essential tips on the quality of dental maintenance for keeping your perfect pet healthy and what certain aspects their mouth can tell you about their condition and life.
Seek out the professionals
While we often brush our own teeth and gums, how many of us have often thought that our pet’s diet can take care of their teeth?
Well, you’re only partially right. Much like us, our pets, particularly dogs and cats build up just as much plaque and tartar in their mouths and on their teeth as we do.
Therefore, it is wise to seek out a veterinary dentist upon your pet’s health check, to get them to look at the health of their mouth.
You can also brush their teeth at home, however, if they are fidgety or resistant, you can seek out a pet groomer who can offer this service to you.
Should I clean them and how often?
When it comes to cleaning your pet’s teeth, you can do it yourself; however, most non-invasive treatment given at a groomer only goes as far as the gum line, much like scraping at our dentist.
To do a deep clean, you need vet attention, which can range from $500 – $700, as anaesthesia is needed. However, this would only be once a year.
A good way to start is to use a pet toothbrush and paste that is safe for them. While it may seem odd, this can save you money and hassle down the road.
Use their teeth to gauge their age
While many of us have heard about the horse’s mouth, looking at their teeth and that of any pets, is a great way to assess their age and optimal health.
While certain factors, such as diet and medication may show some differences, with most animals, you can tell the age by the amount of tartar and wear built up around their teeth over time.
Even the healthiest of dogs, cats and horses will become yellow around the tooth the further they age.
A young pooch or kitty will usually have bright white, while those older rounding around ten or more years will be yellowing and potentially even missing.
Use dental chews on dogs
When using preventative or even helpful measures on your pet, a great way can include it into their food or even as a snack.
A great way to clean and prevent issues from developing with your dog’s teeth can be done by a dental chew stick.
Hence, he can happily munch away at it, like a bone, very unaware of the benefit it is giving him and the action it is doing in his mouth.
These can help your pooch in that they can combat conditions such as gingivitis and other forms of gum disease.
Incorporate care into playtime
Chew toys are also a good tactic, as they not only help with the gums and teeth; they also promote controlled release of natural behaviours and instincts.
By using chew toys, you allow beneficial saliva to build up in your dog’s mouth, helping with their overall oral health.
The use of toys also takes away plaque and tartar and keeps the jaws and gums healthy and strong.
The same goes for cats as squeaky toys, that they chew on, can stimulate their natural hunting abilities.
This helps with puppies and kittens learning to chew, without you ending up with ripped carpet and plaster.
Do a self-exam, if in doubt, see a vet
Usually, when we want to see the inside of our pet’s mouth, whether for giving them a pill or a self-exam, many are reluctant.
During their puppyhood, take the time to train your dog with positive reinforcement.
As you go on, this can be used for giving them medication or observing your dog’s health. With medication. With meds, you can use a treat, such as peanut butter, to take it.
If you observe anything unnatural, such as bumps, sores and redness, it is wise to see your vet.
Conclusion:
Therefore, those are my tips on how best to look after your furry friend’s oral health. This is general advice, so always seek a vet if uncertain. I hope that your pet goes on to have good health and good teeth.
