Dental
care for pets is just as important as it is for the owners. Dental disease can
affect the major organs. We brush our teeth, but do you brush your pet’s teeth?
Bad or doggy breath may be a sign of periodontal disease. Cavities are not a
common problem for dogs or cats, but plaque and tartar can cause gingivitis
and, eventually, tooth loss.
Your
pet should have a complete exam at least once a year. This includes an oral
exam, which will look for tartar or periodontal disease. Your veterinarian can
recommend a home dental program to help slow the progression. A dental cleaning
may be necessary to remove all of the plaque and tartar, and then a home dental
program can be put in place to maintain those clean teeth.
Things
that you can at home include brushing teeth, applying a substance to the teeth
weekly to prevent plaque formation, or a water additive to control bacteria.
There are dental foods available as well which can be fed exclusively or used
as treats. These help to clean teeth as well.
