Mention ‘pet dental health’ to some pet parents and you’ll likely be met by a look of either bewilderment or bemusement. Without a doubt, many pet owners simply aren’t aware of the importance of pet dental care.

However, August is Pet Dental Health Month. This makes it the pawfect time to talk about the potentially life-threatening risks associated with poor pet dental hygiene.

Indeed, from tooth discolouration and visible plaque or tartar, to swelling under the eyes and loss of appetite, oral issues are extremely common amongst Aussie pets. What’s more, poor dental health can impact our beloved pets’ general health, wellbeing, comfort and quality of life.

No one wants to see his or her pet suffer. Needless to say, it’s high time we took our pets’ oral care seriously.

Signs and symptoms of poor pet oral hygiene

Did you know that dental disease is the most widespread disease in adult dogs? Furthermore, it affects close to 90% of dogs and 70% of cats aged three years and above. Heck, dental disease is nothing to smile about. In fact, these stats suggest that pet dental health is something we all ought to pay more attention to.

As part of this awareness, it pays to know the signs and symptoms to look out for. Key things to be on the lookout for include:

  • Discoloured teeth (brown or yellow)
  • Unusual chewing action
  • Damaged or loose teeth
  • Stinky breath
  • Reduced appetite or signs your pet is having difficulty eating/chewing
  • Blood in the mouth
  • Swelling around the mouth, gums and/or eyes

“Periodontal disease is a progressive inflammatory disease that affects the bone and gums in a pet’s mouth. There are four stages of the disease which, if you notice early enough, can be easily treated. In the early stages, the severity of the disease can be minor, resulting in mild gingival recession and noticeably bad breath. The final or fourth stage is the most severe, leaving pets in pain and resulting in potential teeth removal and excessive bone loss.

“Treatment of periodontal disease will depend on how far it has progressed. If you suspect that your pet is suffering from a dental infection, seek veterinary advice immediately before the condition worsens,” advises PETstock VET Dr Natalia Li.

How you can keep your pet’s teeth in check

Dr Li encourages all pet owners to take their pet’s oral health seriously. She says owners should monitor their pet’s oral hygiene and to take the necessary steps to optimise their fur pal’s dental health.

“Whether you have a cat or a dog, brushing their teeth regularly is important to helping maintain their oral hygiene and preventing possible infection. To clean your pet’s teeth, you’ll need specialised toothbrushes that are designed for canine dentition.

“For puppies that don’t enjoy teeth cleaning or are experiencing it for the first time, start without the toothbrush, and instead use meat or tuna juice by dipping your finger in it and rubbing it against their gums. Then, leave the brush next to them without any action and reward them with treats. Finally, put the brush closer to their mouth before eventually putting it into their mouth.

“Other products that can be used to clean a pet’s teeth include dental wipes, mouth freshening water additives and fresh breath foam. If you’re unsure how many times you should clean your pet’s teeth and what products to use, speak to your local vet for a personalised plan.”

Tips for boosting your pet’s dental health

As well as brushing your pet’s teeth, there are other things you can do to support your fur pal’s oral health.

“Dental toys and treats are an easy and effective way of helping to maintain your pet’s oral hygiene. Not only do they remove unwanted plaque, prevent tartar and bad breath, but they also help to exercise your dog’s jaw and release tension,” says Dr Li.

“For some pets, a dental specific diet is recommended to keep their teeth and gums healthy. The food is specifically formulated with special ingredients that create more friction with the teeth than normal kibble, reducing the risk of plaque or tartar build up.

“Alongside home cleaning, it’s recommended that your pet receives a professional dental clean once every six months by a veterinarian. To ensure a comfortable and pain free experience, pets are placed under anesthesia during a dental clean. Prior to the procedure, a dental check is required to evaluate their oral hygiene status,” she explains.

Certainly, our pet’s dental health is our responsibility as caring pet parents. It’s important to understand the importance of taking good care of your cat or dog’s teeth, as well as the appropriate actions. Plus, on the bright side, taking care of your canine chum’s teeth means an end to stinky dog breath! That’s got to be a good thing, right?!

 

What actions do you take to ensure your pet’s dental health?

 

 

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