When was the last time you took your cat or dog to the vet for a dental check-up?
Unlike us, your pet can’t speak up if they have an achy mouth, so it is up to you to ensure your pet is not suffering from dental disease.
As pet owners, it’s important to:
1) Ensure your pet has a well-balanced, vet-approved diet which will help maintain their teeth health – such as Hills T/D biscuits which are great for helping to keep teeth clean, because when the cat or dog crunches up the biscuits, the biscuits abrade the surface of the teeth removing plaque and tartar. Ask us for further advice on the best diets for your pet’s teeth.
2) Conduct regular at-home check-ups. Take a look under your pet’s lip, to assess for any of the following signs of poor dental health:
- Bad breath – Smelly breath is not normal for your pet, so if you notice any mouth odour, this may signify dental disease and should be assessed by a vet immediately.
- Yellow teeth – Yellowing of teeth can indicate a build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth, which contributes to dental disease.
- Red gums or bleeding mouth – Inflammation and infection of the gums, or gingivitis, can be painful and impact your pet’s quality of life.
3) Brush your pet’s teeth. Brushing your pet’s teeth can help reduce the build up of plaque and tartar on their teeth. You will need: a) A pet, baby or finger toothbrush, b) A pet-only tasty toothpaste, c) some treats for extra encouragement, and d) A little bit of patience. Then:
- Ensure you and your pet are positioned comfortably with access to your pet’s teeth
- Lift your pet’s upper lip and begin to brush the teeth in a circular motion
- Brush where the tooth meets the gum line and also the very back teeth.
- Watch this video for more information
4) Schedule regular vet check-ups. The more dental check-ups your pet has, the more at ease you will feel about your furry friend’s dental health. If it has been more than a year since your pet’s last dental check-up, we recommend you book an appointment now.