FOUR EASY WAYS TO KEEP YOUR PET'S TEETH HEALTHY

PAINLESS WAYS TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PET'S TEETH

Taking care of your pet's teeth takes a little effort, but it helps them live their best life! Good dental hygiene in our pets is not just about treating problems - it is about good prevention. It starts with care at home. You may not know where to start when it comes to pet dental hygiene, so follow these four steps to help them keep and maintain great dental health.

1. START SMALL - BRUSH DAILY

YOU REALLY WANT ME TO BRUSH THEIR TEETH?

It’s so DIFFICULT!!! 

​Although daily brushing of your dog’s and cat’s teeth sounds overwhelming and time-consuming, this healthy habit will prevent painful vet visits and save you money while keeping your pet healthy and happy. With a little effort, both cats and dogs can be trained to have their teeth brushed regularly. 
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When you take time to brush your cat's and dog's teeth every day, the need for visiting the vet for pet dental cleanings is dramatically reduced. Excellent dental care is preventative, daily dental maintenance!

Try these steps when introducing teeth brushing to your pet:

1. Take a soft cloth and gently rub your pet’s teeth and gums. Sit eye level when rubbing their teeth because it decreases their stress, opening them up to accepting proper dental hygiene. 
2. After a couple of days of brushing with a soft cloth, introduce pet toothpaste. Let them smell and taste the toothpaste before adding it to the soft cloth. Easing them into a daily routine is the best way to achieve long-term behaviors. NEVER use human toothpaste.
3. Your cat or dog is now ready to put pet toothpaste on their new pet toothbrush. Again, gently brush their teeth and gums, encouraging them to enjoy this lifelong habit. NEVER use human toothpaste.
4. Finally, reward your furry friend’s good behavior to encourage further cooperation.  
5. There are several flavors and brands recommended by the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council), so if they don’t like the taste of one, don’t give up. ​

2. SCHEDULE REGULAR DENTAL EXAMS

Pets should usually receive a dental exam every 12 - 24 months depending on their age, breed, and dental health. Why? Because by age three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have signs of periodontal disease. It is especially difficult to detect periodontal disease in cats without having a vet perform a dental exam. Your veterinarian will recommend a dental cleaning depending on the level of periodontal disease they detect during the exam. Pet dental exams are done under anesthesia for the safety of the veterinarian staff. Most veterinarians will recommend a yearly dental cleaning.

On the Bright Side
Tracy Animal Hospital encourages annual health check-ups which include an evaluation of your pet’s eyes, ears, mouth, heart, lung sound, skin, and coat wellness. Dr. Tracy also performs a dental screening during this visit. Ask us about one of our Wellness Packages - they include discounts on dental services.!

3. CREATE HEALTHY BEHAVIORS

Some other great ways to take care of your pet’s teeth are to buy dental toys, treats, and healthy kibble.

PET DENTAL TOYS

Dental toys help remove plaque and tartar buildup as pets chew on them. They can even reduce the amount of oral bacteria on dogs' teeth as well as prevent periodontitis, bad breath, bleeding gums, and dental pain. Here are a couple of fun and helpful toys.

•  Petstages Fresh Breath Mint Stick Cat Chew Toy
• Potaroma 3 Pack Natural Silvervine Sticks Cat Toys, Catmint Silvervine Blend Sticks, Catnip Cat Chew Toys 
• Arm & Hammer for Pets Super Treadz Gorilla Dental Chew Toy for Dogs
• KONG - Squeezz Dental Stick - Unique Flexible Texture, Teeth and Gum Cleaning Dog Toy

HEALTHY PET FOOD OPTIONS

Feed them a healthy kibble Soft food tends to build up plaque and bacteria on pet’s teeth and gums whereas healthy kibble creates an abrasive action when chewed that naturally scrapes off plaque. Dr. Tracy will be happy to discuss the right pet food for your specific pet. 

Tracy Animal Hospital has an online store. Take a look at some of the pet food we offer.

DENTAL TREATS

Dental treats and powders are another way to stave off plaque and tartar. Here are a few products that may work for your little one.

• Virbac CET Tartar Control Chews For Dogs
• Purina DentaLife Made in USA Facilities Large Dog Dental Chews
• ProDen PlaqueOff® Powder for Dogs
• ProDen PlaqueOff® Powder for Cats
• Healthymouth® Topical Gel for Cats
• FELINE GREENIES Adult Natural Dental Care Cat Treats​

4. WATCH FOR SIGNS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Periodontal disease is an inflammation of a pet’s gums. Unfortunately, it leads to bone loss, tissue destruction, and infection in the gum and teeth. Once the gums become infected, it is easy for the infection to enter into the bloodstream, potentially leading to heart and kidney disease. 

​Some of the most common symptoms of dental disease in dogs and cats includes:
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• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Constant drooling
• Bad breath
• Yellow or brown tartar build up at the gum line
• Broken or cracked teeth

Getting periodontal disease identified quickly is essential because the sooner it is identified, the easier it is to treat. If left untreated, your poor baby may need many teeth extracted and suffer from painful diseases. Brush their teeth daily, visit Dr. Tracy for their annual wellness check-up, and quickly address any periodontal disease, so you can enjoy the companionship these little ones bring.​

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Great veterinary care is just a phone call away. Tracy Animal Hospital has a knowledgeable, caring and experienced staff and vet. Give us a call today!

You can reach us at 281-970-0601.

Make an appointment to see Dr. Tracy today and ask about our New Client Special!

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