VSSF

Dental hygiene in dogs is extremely important because, just like people, dental disease can have a holistic effect on their body. If gone untreated for long periods of time, these problems can potentially have disastrous effects.

Plaque accumulates on your dog’s teeth and if it isn’t taken care of in a timely fashion, it hardens into tartar. This can lead to gum irritation and periodontal disease. One of the best remedies against this is water additives. They don’t contain any chlorhexidine, chlorines, or alcohol, which can be harmful to your dog. Instead, they typically contain enzymes that break down plaque as well as kill the bacteria associated with periodontal disease. Consult with your vet to determine which of the many solutions on the market are best for your dog.

Another remedy worth looking into is dental chews, which also counter plaque and tartar buildup. Like water additives, some may even contain enzymes to combat plaque before it hardens into tartar and control bacteria while others clean the dog’s teeth, simultaneously exercising his jaw. Again, consulting with your vet is always the best option before opting to use any method as part of your dog’s oral care. Your veterinarian can better determine what remedies are the best for your dog by taking x-rays to ensure there are no problems under the gum lines, as well as clean and polish your pet’s teeth.

Dogs are either good at hiding their pain or are unable to articulate their pain. Many owners can see changes in their dogs’ behavior after they receive dental therapy, citing their pets as much more playful and active than before. The ideal way to ensure good dental hygiene in your pet is by daily brushing and visiting the vet twice a year. Remember, good oral hygiene is imperative to your dog’s overall health, so treat it with as much care as you would any other problem.

February is National Pet Dental Health month, so we decided to celebrate the most appropriate way by giving you some tips and the importance of taking care of their dental health. Many pet owners don’t realize the importance of brushing their cat or dog’s teeth, and tend to neglect it. The key to maintaining good oral hygiene is to brush their teeth daily in order to remove plaque, which is a collection of bacteria that builds up at the gum line. If you don’t remove this plaque routinely it will form tartar, which will irritate the gums and could lead to infection or the loss of teeth. You don’t want your pet to get an infection under the gum line because it can spread to the liver, kidneys, and heart.

If you brush your pet’s teeth daily, you will not have to have them cleaned by a veterinarian as often. You should examine their teeth monthly and check for yellow or brown material where the tooth meets the gum line. If there is a lot of yellow or brown material, bring your pet in for a professional cleaning as soon as you can. If you perform daily brushings at home, start by picking a soft-bristled or finger toothbrush and apply only toothpaste purchased from your veterinarian. Do not use human toothpaste because it is harmful to your pet and has detergents that shouldn’t be swallowed by them.

Begin brushing your pet’s teeth as soon as their puppy or kitten teeth surface so that you can get them used to the procedure. Also, brushing their teeth is very necessary in the removal of plaque. There are also many precautions that you can take to try and avoid a large buildup:

• Hard food helps remove plaque from teeth. The combination of special diets and daily brushings is the best way to keep the teeth clean.
• Chewing on objects harder than teeth may lead to dental fractures. Cow and horse hoofs commonly cause fractures of the upper fourth premolars.
• Tug-of-war games should not be played, especially in young dogs and cats to avoid moving growing teeth.
• Throwing toy discs can cause trauma to the teeth, resulting in pulpitis (an inflammation of the pulp).

Remember, humans aren’t the only ones who need quality dental care. Give your pet a sparkling smile and they’ll thank you for life!

We brush our teeth two, sometimes three times a day. We floss, brush, and rinse, but should our cats experience the same daily dental care?  This is a common question that is brought to our veterinarians.  There are certain signs to look out for and actions to be taken to ensure your cat’s teeth stay clean and healthy.

Potential Dental Problems:

• Dental plague buildup
• Gingivitis
• Tooth defects
• Oral masses/tumors

Plague is soft, sticky, and filled with bacteria, which easily remains on your cat’s teeth.  If this is not removed and tended to, periodontal disease can be the end result. In order to avoid and prevent this, begin brushing your cat’s teeth when he or she is a kitten. Do not use the toothpaste found in your medicine cabinet, but rather something your veterinarian suggests, such as tuna water.

Bad breath can be a clear sign that dental problems are present. Bad breath can result in the reddening of gums, which is an indication that periodontal disease may be affecting your cat. This calls for a dental examination.

After the examination, be sure to care for your cat’s teeth at home. Avoid soft food whenever possible, as this can lead to plague build up. Cotton swabs, soft toothbrushes, and special cat toothpaste are all key tools to ensuring your cat’s teeth remain healthy.

Dental care is a crucial part in ensuring our cats remain healthy. All it takes is a little extra time at home with your cat and annual examinations. Next time you are at the veterinarian, be sure to ask about the steps necessary to take for your cat. Not every cat needs the same treatment; your vet will be able to provide a personalized system just for you.