Like humans, cats and dogs can suffer from oral issues like bad breath, tartar accumulation, gum disease, tooth decay, and damaged teeth. It can lead to a more severe problem and even require surgical treatment if not taken care of as soon as possible. Unfortunately, your pet can not inform you when they suffer from dental pain. It’s usually up to you, the pet parent, to determine and treat any potential complications they may have with their teeth.
What Are the Signs of Pet Dental Problems?
Since your cat or dog can’t tell you there’s something wrong, here are signs that inform you they may have dental issues:
- Bad breath. While it’s normal for pets to have some smell in their mouth due to eating, foul breath can indicate gum disease or another dental issue.
- Excessive drooling. If your pet suddenly drools more than usual, it might indicate something is wrong with their teeth or gums.
- Change in eating habits. If your pet stops eating and you notice difficulty chewing, this could be an indication of dental pain.
- Visible tartar build-up or discolored teeth. If your pet’s teeth are yellow, brown, or covered in plaque, this may indicate periodontal disease or another more serious issue and must be addressed quickly.
- Pawing at the mouth or face rubbing. If your pet is unusually pawing at their mouth or face rubbing, it could be a sign of pain in their teeth and gums.
Pet dental care is just one aspect of overall pet wellness that may be explored at fergusonanimalhospital.com and other similar websites.
How to Prevent Dental Problems in Pets
To help keep your pet’s teeth healthy and free of issues, here are some tips:
Brush Your Pet’s Teeth Regularly
Brushing your animal buddy’s teeth is just one of the best ways to avoid dental disease. Do this at least twice or three times a week using a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste. If it’s your first time to do this, acclimate your pet to the brushing with these recommendations:
- Situate your pet in a comfortable position.
- Massage your pet’s gums, lips, and teeth with your finger in slow-moving, circular motions for up to 1 minute once or twice a day. They may need a couple of weeks to get used to this.
- Introduce the toothpaste by putting a pea-sized quantity on your fingers and letting your pet taste it; after that, immediately compensate them with a treat. In the next few days, raise the amount of time between toothpaste tasting and providing rewards.
- Introduce the toothbrush by adding a small amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush. Allow your pet to lick the toothbrush and instantly compensate them. Do this for numerous days, increasing the time between licking and rewards.
- Once your pet has gotten used to it, do the real brushing in slow, circular motions.
On the other hand, your puppy or kitten check up is essential for their health, so ask your veterinarian about the ideal dental and preventative care routines to follow.
Visit the Vet Regularly
Routine vet visits help guarantee that your pet’s teeth are in good condition. A certified vet can clean your pet’s teeth and look for any early indications of oral disease. This allows them to address issues promptly and raises the chances of successful treatment. Besides dental care, there is a wide range of other preventative care you can give your pet to keep them healthy and happy. Click here to learn more.
Choose the Right Diet
It’s important to decide on food specifically created to preserve dental health and feed treats that promote dental health, such as chews, rawhide pieces, and crunchy bones. Dogs can benefit much more from a raw diet rich in meat and vegetables with little to no starch content.
On the other hand, cats need a diet rich in healthy proteins and minerals. Remember that no single diet is suitable for all pets. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on what diet program would suit their specific demands.
Provide Toys That Can Help Clean Teeth
You can give your pet playthings that help clean their teeth while they play. These are typically available in the form of rope toys, chew sticks, or rubber balls with bristles or nubs, which are made to break up plaque as they gnaw on it.
Keep Your Pet Hydrated
Your pet needs lots of fresh water every day to stay hydrated and healthy. This helps flush out germs in their mouth and prevent dental issues from developing. Change your pet’s water regularly and give an ample daily supply.
In Conclusion
Taking care of your pet’s teeth is essential in maintaining their overall health. Following the tips above and routine veterinarian visits can help your pet companion stays in good health for years. Narrow your list and ask for recommendations from family and friends. This helps you make an informed decision about the best treatment choices for your pet.