National Pet Dental Health Month was created to raise awareness of the dangers of ignoring your pet’s oral health. Poor oral and dental hygiene can cause bad breath, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and infections that can eventually threaten your pet’s health or shorten his lifespan. Your veterinarian can recommend products and methods for caring for your pet’s teeth and gums at home. Here are some great tips for pet owners to follow to protect their pet’s oral and dental health.
Caring for Your Pet’s Teeth at Home
While at-home dental care isn’t a substitute for visits to the veterinarian, it’s important to maintain your pet’s dental health in between those visits. Your veterinarian can offer professional advice about what tools you can use to brush your pet’s teeth and reduce their risk of plaque and tartar buildup. You should brush your pet’s teeth at least once per week. For cats and small dogs, you can use a child toothbrush or finger brush, and for larger dogs, you can use an adult toothbrush. In between brushing, you can use dental wipes to remove plaque and tartar. Your veterinarian can also recommend dental chews and treats, as well as additives for their food and water that kill bad bacteria and reduce the accumulation of plaque and tartar.
Visit the Veterinarian Once Per Year
You should also take your pet to the veterinarian at least once per year for a general checkup and dental exam. Your veterinarian will look for early warning signs of tooth decay, periodontal disease, and infection. They can give you advice about changes to make at home to lower your pet’s risk of oral and dental disease.
Schedule Professional Dental Cleanings
Your veterinarian can also recommend professional dental cleanings when necessary. Most dogs only need a dental cleaning every three years, but depending on your dog’s breed, age, overall health, condition of his teeth and gums, and existing oral and dental health issues, he may need more frequent cleanings. Dental cleanings can reduce plaque and tartar, treat and prevent periodontal disease, and protect your dog from tooth loss.
Call your veterinarian today to learn more about protecting your pet’s dental and oral health.