Keeping your pet healthy involves more than just regular walks, a balanced diet, and plenty of snuggles. Dental health plays a crucial role in your pet’s general good health and vitality, but this pet care aspect often goes under the radar. Pets can suffer from dental issues that, if left untreated, can lead to severe health problems. In celebration of National Pet Dental Health Month, our Memorial Animal Hospital team provides practical tips for managing your pet’s dental health. 

Dental health is significant to your pet’s well-being 

Maintaining good oral hygiene is integral to helping your pet avoid tooth decay, gingivitis (i.e., gum inflammation), and bacterial infections that damage their major organs. Poor dental health in cats and dogs can lead to a variety of issues, including:

  • Bad breath — While bad breath might seem like a minor issue, the condition can be an underlying dental problem sign that our team must address. Halitosis or bad breath is typically a pet’s first dental disease sign.
  • Pain and discomfort — No loving pet owner wants to see their beloved four-legged friend in pain. Unfortunately, dental disease ravages their oral health, leading to painful infections and abscesses.
  • Dental disease — Periodontal disease (i.e., dental disease) affects two-thirds of pets older than 3 years of age and causes pain, tooth and bone loss, inability to chew, and chronic infection. This statistic is even more surprising because dental disease is preventable through professional dental exams and cleanings, and daily toothbrushing.
  • Systemic health issues — Dental disease doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth; it can also impact their overall health and reduce their life span by two to three years. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and contribute to problems with the heart, kidneys, and other internal organs. 

How to ensure your pet’s dental health

The good news is you and our Memorial Animal Hospital team can help your pet avoid dental issues. By providing your pet with daily dental care and scheduling their professional dental exams and cleanings, you can take the reins on your furry pal’s well-being. To help ensure your pet avoids dental issues, follow these tips:

  • Regularly brush your pet’s teeth — Brushing your pet’s teeth is one of the most effective ways to prevent dental problems, but this process takes some patience for toothbrush-resistant pets. Get your pet used to the toothbrush’s feel by gently touching their teeth and gums with it. Use a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste, and aim to brush your pet’s teeth at least a few times a week. Do not share your toothpaste with your pet as the product contains fluoride and other pet-toxic ingredients. 

Start brushing your pet’s teeth by focusing on their front incisors, then moving to the sides and insides of the mouth. Give your pet small treats during their toothbrushing sessions to encourage a positive association. Our team can offer further instructions if your pet is resistant to toothbrushing. 

  • Provide your pet with dental chews — Dental chews and toys are designed to promote good oral health by removing plaque and tartar buildup. Chewing is a natural behavior, especially for dogs, so this activity helps keep their teeth clean and provides behavioral enrichment to reduce boredom. When choosing a product, look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal on the package. The VOHC only approves dental products that have proven efficacy.
  • Feed your cat or dog a balanced diet — Your pet’s diet impacts their well-being, including their energy level, immunity, and dental health. Look for pet foods specifically formulated to promote good oral bacteria and reduce plaque. 
  • Schedule veterinary exams and cleanings — Regular wellness checkups for your pet, including dental exams, are essential for disease prevention and oral health. Our team can identify pets’ dental issues early and recommend appropriate treatment, which includes professional dental cleanings. During your pet’s professional dental cleanings, we carefully examine their mouth, and scale and polish their teeth. In addition, we take dental X-rays to identify bone loss and tooth decay. Professional dental cleanings are the best method to remove stubborn plaque and tartar that would otherwise lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Caring for your pet’s dental health promotes their overall well-being. By following the tips we have discussed here, you can help your furry pal avoid dental problems and ensure they enjoy a life of health and vitality. Schedule your pet’s dental dental exam with our Memorial Animal Hospital team.