Preventative Care@3x

Help Your Pet Have the Best Dental Health Possible

Feb 9, 2013 | Arizona Pet Health

Your pet’s dental health is a very important part of their care. With February being dental health month this is a good time to get the basics down. Here are some things you can do to help your pet have the best dental health possible.

 

1. Brush Their Teeth

This should really begin when they are puppies or kittens but it is never to late to start.

You need a toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for your pet. It is very important NOT to use any toothpaste with fluoride until your pet is at least 6 months old as it can harm enamel formation on their teeth. They make toothpaste for dogs and toothpaste for cats as well as specific toothbrushes. For your dog you can also use your finger wrapped in a cloth, especially until they get used to having their teeth brushed.

 

2. Healthy Diet

Your pets need to eat a healthy nutritious diet. You need to get appropriate food for the size, weight and age of your pet. Good nutrition is vitally important for a healthy pet. Certain types of pet food are specifically designed to help maintain good dental health.

 

3. Play Time

You can make keeping good dental hygiene fun. Get chew toys for your pet. Certain toys can actually help prevent the buildup of plaque on their teeth. Some people think rawhide bones are great for your dogs and really help their teeth while others think rawhide is not safe for your dog. That is a decision that is up to you as a pet owner. There are many toys for pets that promote good dental health.

 

4. Extras

There are special treats designed to help remove the plaque on your pet’s teeth. Also available is an additive to put in your pet’s water that is supposed to help dissolve and get rid of plaque over time. You can also now get a tongue scraper that dogs like to lick to get the gunk off of their teeth. You as the pet’s owner will have to decide what works best for you and your pet.

 

5. Professional Care

You need to take your pet to get their teeth cleaned on a regular basis. Most authorities say yearly but again that depends on your pet and their dental health.

 

Take good care of your pet and their dental hygiene so you will be able to enjoy a long healthy relationship with them.

 

Disclaimer: Not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.