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CVH Quick Tip: The Do's and Don'ts of Pet Oral Healthcare

We focus a lot on pet dental health during the month of February, but good oral healthcare doesn’t just happen at the vet, and it definitely doesn’t end when February is over! Here are some of our top tips to keep your pet’s mouth healthy year round.

Do: 

When you bring your pet in for their annual wellness exam, take the opportunity to ask your vet about your pet’s oral health. Whether it’s bad breath, inflamed gums, or unexplained weight loss, our veterinarians are trained to look for signs of dental disease in your pet. We know that it can be difficult to tell what’s going on in your pet’s mouth by trying to look at home (if your pet will even let you look in there!), and we’re here to help.

Don’t: 

Assume that your pet will tell you if his or her teeth hurt. Although some pets will slow down or stop eating when they are experiencing oral pain, the drive to eat in order to survive is very strong in both dogs and cats, and most pets will continue eating despite intense oral pain. If you notice a sudden change in your pet’s breath or energy levels, or if you notice warning signs like excessive drooling or inflamed gums, it’s a good idea to let your vet know.

 

Do: 

Brush your pet’s teeth with a pet safe toothpaste if and when you’re able to. Check out VOHC.org to help choose safe and effective products that have been evaluated by veterinary dentists.  

Don’t: 

Use human toothpaste on your pet. The fluoride and xylitol found in most human toothpastes are toxic to dogs and cats.

 

Do: 

Look in your pet's mouth regularly as it will get them used to having their mouth handled and examined. This is particularly true for puppies and kittens so good habits can be established.  

Don’t: 

Stress if you’re not able to brush your pet’s teeth daily, or even weekly! Your pet isn’t the first animal to resist their human’s attempts to poke around in their mouth, and there are alternatives available for pet parents who aren’t able to brush their dog or cat’s teeth. If brushing is not an option for your pet’s home healthcare routine, our staff can help you find the best strategy to keep your pet’s mouth healthy, whether it’s a water additive, a tartar fighting food, or a professional dental cleaning.

 

Do: 

If your pet enjoys chewing, chewable dental treats can be a small (and fun) part of a good oral healthcare strategy for your pet, but it’s important to adjust your expectations for what these chews are able to accomplish and be careful what products you choose. There are many dental care chews on the market, but there are a relatively small number of treats and chews that make the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s list of products that are scientifically proven to reduce plaque and tartar accumulation. These products should also be used with caution, as they can be a choking hazard for enthusiastic pets and can contain ingredients that are irritating to pets with food allergies or sensitivities. In addition, even a dental chew or treat that is safe and has been proven effective will never be anywhere near as effective as brushing your pet’s teeth and won’t replace the need for professional dental cleanings.

Don’t: 

Provide chews that may damage the teeth or cause a choking hazard. Although chewing can help keep teeth clean, bones, hooves and antlers that are too hard are a major cause of broken teeth, so be careful what chews you select. In addition, never leave your dog unattended with a chewable treat that could cause him to choke if swallowed. When selecting any chew toy or treat for your pet, remember that your pet’s teeth aren’t any stronger than your own teeth, but their jaw strength and enthusiasm for chewing is much greater than yours, and this can lead to painful tooth fractures. A good rule of thumb is if you think it is too hard for you to chew, it is too hard for your pet to chew.

 

Do: 

Have professional, anesthetized dental cleanings performed when needed. The time between cleanings varies based on the pet, but it can be lengthened if good home oral health strategies like toothbrushing are used. Your veterinarian will check in on your pet’s teeth each year at his or her annual exam and will let you know if a cleaning is recommended.

Don’t: 

Allow your pet’s teeth to be cleaned without anesthesia. Cleanings without anesthesia may sound appealing at first, but they actually put your pet at risk of developing more severe dental disease because plaque and tartar below the gumline cannot be removed during a non-anesthetic cleaning. If it isn’t cleaned out properly, this plaque and tartar can cause serious issues for your pet’s health, including bone loss around the teeth, tooth root abscesses, and even damage to the heart and kidneys.

 

Have questions about your pet's oral health? Don't hesitate to call us or book an oral evaluation for your pet to learn more. We're here to help!

The CVH Team