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Feb 2011  |  By Winnetka Animal Hospital | Paid Advertisement  |  Comments

Dental Tips for Pets

Periodontal disease is the most prevalent disease among dogs and cats.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of pets show signs of oral disease by the age of three.

Dental disease can cause bad breath, oral pain, difficulty chewing, irritation of the gums, bleeding, and loss of teeth.  Bacteria in the mouth can also spread to the heart, liver and kidneys, resulting in significant disease.

Have your pet’s oral health evaluated annually or as recommended by your veterinarian. Your vet will help you determine when professional cleaning is necessary. During a cleaning, your vet uses specialized instruments to remove tartar and plaque and polishes the teeth to help prevent further buildup.  This is performed under general anesthesia, because pets will not allow us to perform these procedures effectively while they are awake.

Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth at home is the most effective way to control tartar and plaque, as well as bad breath!  Use a pet-safe toothpaste (available at your veterinarian), as human toothpastes contain fluoride which can be toxic to pets. For small pets, a small brush that fits over your finger is usually best; for larger pets, a soft bristle human toothbrush works well.  Plan on brushing your pets’ teeth at least 3-4 times weekly for best oral care.