Improve Your Pet’s Health Today: Get Started with Pet Dental Care
More often than not, pet owners are unaware of the strong correlation between dental care for dogs and cats and their pets’ ongoing health. Your neighborhood veterinarian clinic in Dartmouth can offer professional cleanings and dental treatment for your dogs, but there are also things you can do at home right now to help prolong the time between vet visits. Taking good care of your pet’s teeth will extend their life, provide them many more years of good health, and lower their risk of getting certain diseases. Pet dental care, whether it be for dogs or cats, may be quite helpful. Too often, people just forget about pet oral health and treatment. In addition to routine dental cleanings, simple measures like giving your pet a balanced diet, promoting the use of chew toys and other dental products, and routinely brushing their teeth may all be helpful.
Pet Dental Care at Home
Did you know that, only as a result of not receiving the appropriate dental care for pets, many dogs show symptoms of gum disease by the time they are four years old? By completing routine house inspections and bringing your pet in for yearly examinations at the vet, you may prevent that. You want to understand the warning indications of oral illness, examine your pet’s breath, and perform a “lip lift” checkup. For further advice on routinely examining your pet for warning signs and symptoms, speak with your veterinarian at the Dartmouth veterinary hospital.
While dog and cat breath is never a good thing, you should take your pet to the veterinarian for a checkup if their breath is really strong or unpleasant and they are also having problems with excessive drinking, peeing, vomiting, or losing their appetite. The “Lip Lift” examination entails raising your pet’s lips in order to examine the gums and teeth. Examine teeth for proper color, swelling, and tartar that isn’t dark. Once more, your veterinarian may advise you on what to watch for during your yearly examination. When inspecting your pet’s mouth, vets look for a number of problems, such as loose teeth, persistent bad breath, excessive drooling, inflamed or swollen gums, gum tumors, and cysts beneath the tongue.
Professional Cleanings and Dental Treatment
Anyone who has ever had a dental issue understands how crucial it is to stop tooth decay. Recognizing the root source of the issue can help prevent it from ever occurring in the first place. Plaque-forming bacteria and foods are the culprits behind the accumulation of dental plaque on your dog’s teeth. Tartar, which is formed when plaque hardens, can cause tooth loss, severe illnesses like gingivitis, and receding gums. One of the finest things you can do to provide your pet high-quality dental care is to brush their teeth on a regular basis and get them professionally cleaned at local Dartmouth veterinary facility. Inquire with your veterinarian about the available treatments for dental care in cats and dogs.
If you are unsure about what type of pet dental care for dogs and cats would be best for your situation, consult with your trusted veterinarian clinic in Dartmouth. At Anchor Animal Hospital, we take the health and care of our pet clients seriously. We can answer any questions you might have about care for young pets, including puppies and kittens, as well as senior care for aging pets who might be experiencing severe dental distress.
How to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth
As one might expect, taking care of your dog or cat’s teeth will differ greatly from taking care of your own dental health. You may get toothbrushes and mouthwash kits specifically designed for cat and dog dental care and canine dental care from your veterinarian or a pet supply store. It is always best to use toothpaste designed specifically for pets rather than toothpaste intended for human usage. For dogs younger than six months, never use fluoridated toothpaste since it can interfere with the development of protective enamel.
Let your pet become accustomed to having its teeth washed first. Once or twice a day for a few weeks, start with a 30 to 60-second brushing session until he becomes accustomed to the routine. Once your pet is at ease being brushed, start using toothpaste designed for cats or dogs. Keep in mind that your pet will need some time to become acclimated to the flavor because this will also be novel to them. There are methods to follow in order to achieve a thorough cleaning. Cleaning should be done with the toothbrush held at a 45-degree angle and tiny, circular strokes. Simply go from part to section, starting with one at a time.
Healthy Diet and Chewables Can Help
In the long term, less severe dental care may be required for pets with a balanced diet rich in crunchy foods. Ask local Dartmouth vet hospital veterinarian for guidance if you’re unsure of the appropriate brand or recipe of pet food for your dog or cat. Steer clear of offering your pet too many goodies or leftover table scraps as they might encourage the growth of germs and a tartar buildup.
Although chew toys are more popular with dogs than with cats, both species can benefit from toys designed specifically to strengthen teeth and gums and remove tartar. Toys made of materials devoid of toxins, such rubber, nylon, and rawhide, can benefit your pet in this way. In addition to preventing boredom and lowering stress, chewing on toys provides your pet with a healthy and secure way to satisfy his chewing cravings.
Dental Care for Dogs and Cats in Dartmouth
For a veterinary examination or more advice on pet dental care, get in touch with Anchor Animal Hospital. They provide more information regarding canine and feline dental care. Our team of very skilled and knowledgeable veterinary professionals can help you provide your cats and dogs the best dental treatment the South Coast has to offer. Give our veterinary team a call at 508-996-3731 to make an appointment or to speak with a member of our staff.