Home Dental Care of Cats and Dogs
Home oral hygiene can make a tremendous
difference in your pet’s comfort and health. There are several home care
oral hygiene options from which to choose, but keep in mind that anything you
can do to help prevent plaque and tartar accumulation will pay big dividends.
What really matters is whether or not home oral hygiene will be provided
throughout your pet’s lifetime; considerable effort applied only for a short
period or only occasionally will be non-beneficial. All methods of home oral hygiene share the
goal of preventing or controlling periodontal disease by minimizing plaque
accumulation, and preventing the mineralization of the plaque to form calculus
or commonly known as tartar.
Brushing your
pet’s teeth is the single most effective means to maintain oral health between
professional dental examinations. Frequent brushing is recommended to maintain
optimal dental health. Almost all pets will eventually accept brushing, with
daily training and positive reinforcement; the key to success is to be patient
and gradual in your approach. A variety of products safe for pets are available
in the marketplace. The most common products are a toothbrush and specially
formulated toothpaste. Toothbrushes designed for dogs are soft and angled to
assist in brushing the back teeth. Toothpastes come in a variety of flavors that pet’s
accept, such as poultry and seafood. Avoid human toothpastes as they often
contain abrasives and high-foaming detergents that should not be swallowed or
inhaled by pets. With more “not so willing pets” there are finger brushes and a
variety of “dental wipes”. The single use wipes are rubbed daily on the outside
of the teeth to remove plaque.
Chlorhexidine
is the most effective anti-plaque antiseptic. Chlorhexidine binds to the oral
tissues and tooth surfaces, and is gradually released into the oral cavity. It
is safe for pets and rarely causes problems, though it does have a bitter
taste. There are toothpaste, rinses and gels that contain chlorhexidine to give
you a wide range of options. The rinse is applied by squirting a small amount
inside the cheek on each side of the mouth. The gel is applied by smearing it
onto the teeth. The tongue and lips will spread the rinse or gel around the
mouth. Chlorhexidine
can be applied with a gauze sponge, cotton tipped applicators, as a spray or
with finger brushes.
There are some
dental chews and treats on the market that are specifically designed to help
control plaque and tartar buildup. Look for dental chews accepted by the
Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Greenies
Veterinary Formula Canine Dental Chews contain purposeful
ingredients to help protect your patients’ oral health and are fully committed
to supporting the veterinary community. Feline
Greenies Dental Treats offer complete nutrition and help your cat maintain good
dental care. C.E.T.
Veggiedent Tartar Control Chews for dogs are vegetable-based chew for dogs to help clean teeth and freshen breath. They are awarded the VOHC Seal of Acceptance for its ability to
protect against tartar build up. The
chew is specially designed with a easy-to-hold Z-shape and tough, chewy
consistency to promote adequate, chewing. There are also available in beef hide
desgin to give your dog’s even more dental hygiene treats.
Your
dog and cat are very good at hiding pain; you might never know that your pet
has a serious dental problem until it’s very advanced. This is yet another reason it’s important to take your pet in
for regular dental check up’s at your vet and important to maintain a healthy
dental routine at home. Caring for your pet’s teeth can
prevent other health problems, saving you tons of money long term. Keep your pet protected by committing to a lifetime of quality pet
dental care .This should be fun for you and your pet. Be upbeat and take things
slowly. Do not overly restrain your pet. Keep sessions short and positive. Be
sure to praise your dog throughout the process. Give yourself a pat on the
back, too! You are doing a great thing for your pet.
References
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