A shocking 70% of Australian cats and 80% of Australian dogs experience some level of dental disease by the time they are three years old. With August marking National Pet Dental Health Month, it is a great time to think about ways that you can safeguard your furry friend’s smile!
It can be easy to miss the signs of dental disease if pet parents don’t know what to look for. We often miss signs that our pet is in pain as they are not crying or whimpering. However, when you think about it, when humans have a toothache, we don’t scream in pain constantly. Rather, we might become withdrawn, quiet or change our behaviour. It is the same for our pets.
So what can pet parents do to take care of their pets’ dental health?
Brush your pet’s teeth regularly
Whether it’s daily or weekly, brushing is the most important way to maintain your pets oral hygiene. Generally, the younger your pet is when you start training them to have their teeth brushed, the easier it is. It is a good idea to introduce tooth brushing gradually, especially if your pet is a bit older.
To clean your pet’s teeth, make sure you invest in specialised toothbrushes specially designed for animals and pet-friendly toothpaste is also a must. Many human toothpastes contain xylitol — an artificial sweetener that is toxic to cats and dogs.
Once plaque and tartar are on the tooth – no product will remove it – that requires a veterinary scale and polish, however once the tooth is clean, regularly brushing will maintain dental health.
Find it hard to brush your furry friend’s teeth? Add dental treats to their routine!
A great supportive option for Pet Parents that are low on time, dental toys and treats can be given with minimal supervision, and are designed to help remove plaque and tartar as your pets play and chew.
Get your pet’s teeth checked
Financial concerns can often deter Pet Parents from bringing their pets to the vet for a check-up, leading them to leave small concerns to progress into more serious issues over time. Thankfully Petstock offers free 15-minute dental check-ups, allowing Pet Parents to keep a watchful eye on their Pet’s Dental Health, without breaking the bank.
Consider a dental diet
Advances in new product development means that you can now support your pets oral hygiene via their day-to-day diet. Pet owners can explore specially formulated dental kibble that aids in cleaning their pet’s teeth as they eat, effectively reducing the formation of plaque and tartar. Remember that any diet changes should be gradual and must always be conducted under the guidance of a pet professional. Consult your local vet before suddenly changing your pet’s diet to improve oral hygiene.
Get your pet’s teeth professionally cleaned
There’s only so much that home cleaning, dental treats and specialised kibble can do. Once tartar has set and formed throughout the stages of dental disease, it cannot easily be removed at home and thus professional cleaning is recommended. Like humans, it is advised for pets to receive a professional dental clean once every six months to prevent general build up. As professional dental cleaning is a procedure requiring anaesthesia and a prior dental check, be sure to speak to your local vet if you are considering this option.
Guest Writer: Dr Sasha Nefedova, Petstock Vet
