Dental Care For Pets

Dental care is important because the American Veterinary Dental Society reports that by age three; 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop dental disease. In addition, the Society states that you can increase the life of your pet by 25% by practicing a healthy dental lifestyle. Clinical research shows a direct correlation between poor oral health and systemic diseases. Bacteria, food debris and saliva cause plaque. It takes three to five days for plaque to become calculus, commonly known as “tartar”.  In addition, bacteria enter the bloodstream at the gum line. These bacteria infect the heart, liver, kidney, and lungs, as well as weaken the immune system as it travels throughout the body. Left untreated, periodontal disease will lead to oral pain, tooth loss and systemic problems.

How do you know if your pet has periodontal disease?

Signs include:

1. Bad breathe.
2. Inflamed or red gums.
3. Bleeding gums while eating.
4. Tartar build-up on the teeth and gum line. Tartar is the yellowish-brown crusty stuff.
5. Change in eating habits. It now hurts to eat. They are avoiding the hard kibble and begging for your softer food.
6. Resorptive lesions on cat’s gums. These are very painful and damage the integrity of the teeth.

You have many options when it comes to caring for your pets’ teeth. You can practice that healthy dental lifestyle with ease.  But first, if your pets’ teeth are currently in poor condition, schedule a visit with your veterinarian first. You may opt to have an ultrasonic scaling done and start with a clean slate. An ultrasonic scaling is usually what veterinarians’ refer to as a dental.

Options include:

1. Dental Toys

What makes a toy a dental toy? The design should include ways to massage the gums, strengthen the chewing muscles, remove tartar build-up, and clean between the teeth. These include toys with raised nubs, rope toys and toys designed for power chewers. Keep in mind that you need to buy appropriate sized toys for your pets. Inappropriate sized toys can become a choking hazard.

2. Treats

Always read the ingredient list. Hidden sugars, such as beet pulp, molasses or high fructose corn syrup defeat the purpose of the treat as bacteria feed on sugar. The purpose of the treat should either create friction to break down the calculus or contains ingredients that do. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) has set a standard. Products that have met their criteria carry their seal of approval. You can find information on their standards and approved products on their website.  (www.VOHC.org)

3. Toothbrushes

While those $12 triple head brushes are good, a toothbrush from the dollar store will do the trick. If your pet allows you access to his mouth, a finger brush would be less intrusive than a toothbrush. A piece of gauze wrapped around your finger will also work.

4. Toothpaste

You need to use pet toothpaste. Toothpaste made for people contains fluoride and detergents, which are harmful to your pet. Introduce it to your pet in a gradual, positive manner. Start with something tasty like peanut butter or tuna water. Begin in the rear of the mouth and work your way out. Your pet may be more accepting of the brush leaving the mouth as opposed to entering it. Brush their teeth in the same manner as you do for yourself. Don’t get discouraged if you cannot finish in one sitting. It may take time and patience on your part for your pet to accept it. You should brush their teeth two to three times a week.

5. Dental Sprays

These contain ingredients that dissolve plaque and tartar when sprayed directly into your pets’ mouth.

6. Dental Wipes

The active ingredient is Chlorohexidine. Chlorohexidine kills bacteria that form plaque. Like the gauze wraps, they are less intrusive than a toothbrush.

7. Diet

Many commercial pet foods contain hidden sugars and a high carbohydrate (fillers) ratio. Bacteria feed on these ingredients. Read your labels. Your pets’ diet should include a high quality dry food in addition to a quality can. Dry kibble creates more friction than canned food. This friction helps to remove tartar.

8. Raw Bones

Raw bones are natures’ toothbrush. They are easy to find at any supermarket. To emphasize: RAW BONES. Cooked bones will splinter and cause intestinal damage. When your pets gnaw on the bones, it naturally removes plaque and tartar. The bones also provide a good source of available calcium. The marrow contains enzymes, minerals, protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins and bulk to help your pet stay healthy and regular. However, the marrow is very rich and could pose a problem for those pets with pancreatic concerns. In addition, too much marrow in a short period of time can cause pancreatic issues even in healthy pets. I usually push out the marrow if I offer raw bones to my pets more than once a week.

9. Water Additives

This is one of the easiest methods to use. Simply add it to your pet’s drinking water according to manufacturer specifications.

Your pets’ teeth need to last them a lifetime. A lifetime that could be 25% longer.

©2015 Mary Oquendo www.handsandpawsreiki.com

                                                                                                                                                   

Comments

[champ]

Nice article. Thanks for sharing