Like human beings, cats and dogs can suffer from oral problems such as foul breath, tartar accumulation, gum disease, tooth decay, and damaged teeth. It can lead to a more severe issue and even require surgery if not taken care of immediately. Unfortunately, your pet can’t inform you when they suffer from dental pain. It’s usually up to you, the pet parent, to identify and deal with any potential problems 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 tell you they may have dental issues:
- Bad breath. While it’s normal for pets to have some smell in their mouth due to eating, bad breath can indicate gum disease or another oral issue.
- Excessive drooling. If your pet suddenly drools more than usual, it might signify something is wrong with their teeth or gums.
- Change in eating habits. If your pet stops eating and you notice difficulty chewing, this could indicate oral pain.
- Visible tartar build-up or discolored teeth. If your pet’s teeth are yellow, brown, or covered in plaque, this could signify periodontal disease or another more serious issue and should 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 an indication of pain in their teeth and gums.
Find out more here if your pet shows the symptoms listed above, and learn how to address dental problems with the help of a veterinary dentist.
How to Prevent Dental Problems in Pets
To help keep your pet’s teeth healthier and free of problems, here are some tips:
Brush Your Pet’s Teeth Regularly
Brushing your animal buddy’s teeth is one of the best methods to prevent dental ailment. Do this at least twice or thrice 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 tips:
- Situate your pet in a comfortable position.
- Massage your pet’s gums, lips, and teeth with your finger in slow, circular motions for up to 1 minute once or twice a day. They may require a couple of weeks to get used to this.
- Introduce the toothpaste by putting a pea-sized amount on your fingers and letting your pet taste it; after that, immediately compensate them with a treat. In the next few days, increase the amount of time between toothpaste tasting and giving them rewards.
- Introduce the toothbrush by putting a small amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush. Allow your pet to lick the toothbrush and immediately compensate them. Do this for numerous days, raising the time between licking and rewards.
- As soon as your pet has gotten used to it, do the real brushing in slow, circular motions.
On the other hand, you should consult your veterinarian about the best dental and preventative care routines for your new kitty or puppy first vet visit.
Visit the Vet Regularly
Routine vet visits help ensure that your pet’s teeth are in good condition. A certified veterinarian can clean your pet’s teeth and check for any early indications of dental disease. This allows them to resolve issues promptly and raises the odds of effective treatment. If you take your pet in for routine dental care, you should inquire about your dog or cat vaccination schedule to make sure their up to date.
Choose the Right Diet
It is crucial to choose food specifically formulated to maintain dental health and feed treats that promote dental health, such as chews, rawhide pieces, and crunchy bones. Dogs can benefit more from a raw diet regimen rich in meat and veggies with little to no starch content.
On the other hand, cats need a diet plan rich in proteins and minerals. Remember that no single diet is suitable for all pets. Consult your veterinarian for advice on what diet would fit their specific demands.
Provide Toys That Can Help Clean Teeth
You can provide your pet with 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 designed to separate plaque as they gnaw on it.
Keep Your Pet Hydrated
Your pet needs lots of fresh water daily to stay hydrated and healthy. This helps clear out bacteria in their mouth and protect against dental issues from developing. Change your pet’s water consistently and provide an ample daily supply.
In Conclusion
Caring for your pet’s teeth is essential to maintaining their overall health. Following the suggestions above and regular vet visits can help ensure your animal buddy stays healthy and happy for many years. Narrow your list and ask for recommendations from friends and family. This enables you to make an informed decision about the best treatment options for your pet.