Dental Care for Your Pet

Is dental care really necessary for your pet?

We would say that dental care is more preventive care than necessary care (such as heartworm medication.) By caring for your pet’s teeth throughout its life, you can avoid expensive dental bills, pain and discomfort for your pet later in life. An important thing to consider is that since our pets can’t talk, they could live for years with painful cavities before you will know.

Talk to your veterinarian about how to care for your pet’s teeth. Some helpful tips are;

Brushing your pet’s teeth at home is the best way to prevent gum disease. You must determine whether your pet will be tolerant enough to sit still for a brushing. If your pet is unruly, just do the best you can and tell your vet how often you successfully brush.

There are special pet toothbrushes made or you can use gauze that you can wrap around your finger, plus a pet toothpaste or baking soda and water.

Brush or rub teeth, especially at the gum line, where plaque builds. Be easy on the gums at first, they may bleed but will toughen up. Do this at least once a week.

Remember that wet or moist pet foods contribute to dental problems. Bones and some toys can help clean teeth.