Well, it’s not only humans who require good oral hygiene, but our pets as well so an advice on taking care for your pet’s teeth in needed. Clean and healthy teeth and gums are a vital aspect of our pets’ overall well-being. We know you absolutely adore your dog or cat but their bad breath can sometimes become too bad to ignore.
Bad breath may suggest that your pet suffers from gum disease or periodontal disease which can lead to tooth loss or organ damage. February is Pet Dental Health Month, so even though the North Pointe Dental Associates don’t offer pet dental care, we would like to offer a few tips on taking care for your pet’s teeth.
Visit your veterinarian for professional dental cleaning
The dental health of your pet starts at a pet dental service. The ones you can visit in Tampa, Florida are Dale Mabry Animal Hospital, Beach Park Animal Clinic, Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre or any other you find suitable for your pet. It is crucial for your pet’s health that a veterinarian evaluates the presence of dental tartar and disease in order to be treated if necessary.
When you take your dog or cat for their annual or six-month examination, and if the veterinarian discovers certain signs of dental disease, they may recommend a pet dental cleaning. Dental cleanings are performed while the pet is under general anesthesia and it involves teeth cleaning with a scaler and checking gums for periodontal ‘pockets’. Pet dental cleaning prices depend on many factors but generally speaking, you can expect to pay $200-$300 on average.
Pets’ teeth need to be brushed every day
At-home care is also extremely important for your pet. Pet owners must ensure good oral hygiene by brushing their pet’s teeth daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste made for pets. Work the toothbrush in a circular motion and be patient; get the pet used to having their mouth touched. Some of them will stop resisting after a while; however, some of them might continue resisting for a longer period of time.
Special dental diet
There are special diets that serve to improve a pet’s periodontal health. These foods give better mechanical cleansing of the teeth. You can always consult your veterinarian if this kind of diet is good for your pet.
Chew treats
When choosing chew treats for your pet, select the ones that have the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal. This means that the treat meets the pre-set standards of effectiveness and that they are really effective when it comes to controlling plaque and tartar in dogs and cats.
Signs of dental disease
Oral disease in pets can manifest itself in different ways. These are the most common ones: bad breath, inflamed gums, bleeding gums, yellow-brown tartar, change in eating habits, difficulty chewing or rubbing the face against the floor or furniture.
It is a commitment to keep your pet’s teeth clean and healthy. However, daily brushing, the right food, and appropriate treats will surely help keep your dog’s or cat’s teeth an example of health. And when you combine this with regular visits to your veterinary, then there’s no need to worry.
