Minty Fresh for Pet Dental Health Month

January is a great month for planning and preparation. But as we slip into February it’s time to put those plans into action and the first on our list is our pets’ health. In particular, their delightful little smiles after all February is Pet Dental Health Month.

Pet Dental Health Month

Your pup’s dental health is just as important as your own, with eighty percent of adult dogs being affected by poor oral hygiene. This is resulting in dental disease being the number one health issue for dogs. 

Fortunately, they won’t get cavities like us humans, however not brushing your pet’s teeth can cause a buildup of plaque, tartar, and gingivitis. Which causes bad pup breath leading to tooth extractions and damage to the bone. If not treated this can result in further complications such as kidney and heart disease. 

If your pet’s mouth is looking like it needs a bit of a clean, fear not because there are so many products out there to help you bring that sparkle back into the picture. 

A lot of us are unaware of how to clean our dog’s teeth and because of this. The thoughts can be a little overwhelming with only two percent of pet parents brushing their pet’s teeth. Just to help you out, we have a list of some of the tools required to make those pearly whites gleam again. 

Time to invest in a toothbrush

Much like ourselves, all you need is a dog-friendly toothbrush, there are a few different types to make the job easier.

For pups,  Arm & Hammer has a 360-degree toothbrush that can target all the angles at the same time. Reducing the time of brushing which I’m sure your pup will appreciate. 

If you have an older dog then Vet’s Best Dental has a triple-headed toothbrush which, like the 360-degree brush for puppies, can reach those awkward angles in your dog’s mouth. 

If you are having trouble with any of the brushes above a silicone finger toothbrush might be better suited. This is soft and easy to use instrument which has a pimple structure in the back to massage your pet’s gums. As well there are more abrasive bristles on the front side to encourage the removal of plaque and tartar. 

Once you have decided on which brush works best for your pet pal. You will need dog-friendly toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste as it contains an ingredient that is toxic to dogs and can cause life-threatening low blood sugar in a short space of time. 

Toothpaste for your best friend.

We have an excellent selection of toothpaste and gels both in-store and online. If the brush and paste aren’t going down too well with your dog, clean finger teeth pads are a great alternative. These are disposable moistened pads that also reduce plaque and tartar build-up leaving a delicious mint taste in your pet’s mouth. 

Toothpaste and brush in your doggie dental bag…all you need now is water and a bundle of love for your little pal.

If this is your first time brushing your dog’s teeth a great tip is to pop a little toothpaste/gel onto your finger. Allowing your pup to lick it off in their own time, this will get them used to the taste. When doing this, let them see the brush so when it comes to brushing they won’t see it as a threat. 

When you think you and your dog are comfortable, bring the brush to their teeth and gently move in circular motions. This will help them get used to the texture and movement which will hopefully allow you to brush all of their teeth. Starting with the outside and slowly moving into their mouth. 

In an ideal world, the brushing would continue every twenty-four to forty-eight hours because the bacteria and plaque accumulate every minute of your dog’s day. Unfortunately, after forty-eight hours the plaque will begin to harden forming tartar which is not as easy to remove. 

Not every dog will take to you brushing their teeth. If this is the case there is no need to stress because there are other options. They won’t do as good a job as a toothbrush and paste but they can help reduce plaque and get to those areas that are hard to reach.  

Dental chews

Whimzees have an excellent selection of dental chews and treats which are designed with ridges, grooves and nubs to target those difficult areas removing bacteria and plaque.

Dental chews can also be used along with brushing to give your dog an even healthier mouth. Perhaps break the day up and give them chew to both occupy them and give their teeth cheeky midday clean. You might be grateful when they go to give you a big sloppy afternoon kiss. 

If you have a puppy, then getting yourself and your dog into a routine should be easier. Once they lose their milk teeth regular cleaning is a must. Use the same process as above, maybe do the brushing in a place they feel safe and comfortable, get their favourite toy or blanket. You want this to be a positive experience so you can continue daily without any issues. 

Signs to look out for

If you have noticed any discolouration on your dog’s teeth, red or swollen gums, fractured or missing teeth, or bad breath. Then it is time to take your dog to your local vet as these are signs of dental issues. 

Your vet can perform a professional clean where they will assess the condition of your dog’s teeth. Removing plaque, tartar, and any irreversible damage such as loose or compromised teeth. This will reduce the risk of dental disease resulting in a much happier dog.

Another sign that your dog’s health needs reviewing and being aware of is a change in their eating and chewing habits. infections may cause them to be in pain or feel sick. 

Keeping an eye on what your dog eats can prevent infections. If the opportunity arises, most dogs will go headfirst into rubbish bins. Anything that has an unappealing smell along with getting their cute little faces in other dogs’ feces. Keeping your gardens clean, keeping your dog on a lead, and monitoring them should help prevent infections. 

Making sure to feed them well balanced can also have a positive impact on your dog’s dental health. If your dog is fit and healthy, this will make it easier for their bodies to fight off oncoming infections. 

Infection isn’t the only reason dogs’ teeth get damaged so easily. Some of their favorite toys can have a negative impact on their mouth. Surprisingly, tennis balls are one item that has been known to damage the enamel, great for a game of fetch but not a chewing toy. When choosing a toy for your dog, consider its teeth. Kong- type – toys, rawhides, rubber bones, and softer toys are great examples of toys that are kind to your pup’s mouth. 

Pet Dental Health Month – for cats too

Dogs aren’t the only pets whose teeth need looking after. Surprisingly to a lot of people, cats suffer from oral health issues and are great at hiding this. They tend to suffer in silence and will continue to eat and drink as normal. 

Just as with dogs, brushing your cat’s teeth at a young age will help prevent infection and tooth loss. This is something that should be done from being a kitten. As it will be easier to get them used to the toothbrush and toothpaste. Take similar steps to clean a dog’s teeth, making sure they are comfortable. Gradually build up trust, especially if you have an older cat. 

If you are feeling a little anxious brushing their teeth then plan ahead. Consider how you might hold them, holding them with their back towards you will make it easier. If they try to wriggle but also it is less confrontational for the cat.

Before you apply any toothpaste, gently practice holding your cat’s head into a position that suits you both. When you feel like this is working you can eventually introduce a little paste onto their teeth each day. Until the trust has been built enabling you to use a toothbrush.

If you continue to do this around the same time each day. It will eventually become the norm and part of your cat’s daily routine. 

Pet Dental Health Month – don’t forget about the rabbits

Unlike both dogs and cats, rabbits do not need you to brush their teeth. These little balls of fluff have different types of teeth. Their baby teeth are replaced by adult teeth which in theory should last a lifetime. As they will continue to grow throughout their entire lives. 

To avoid any issues with your rabbit’s dental health. Feeding them a well-balanced diet filled with lots of nutritious and healthy food. That reflects what they eat in the wild will help as this will encourage them to chew.

If you are concerned about your rabbit’s health then a trip to your local vet will put you at ease. Other things to look out for are weight loss or if your rabbit can’t hold its food in its mouth. These could be signs of malocclusion which may result in overgrown teeth. Which can affect their tooth alignment and therefore have a negative impact on their health. 

If you are worried about your pet’s dental health. Be proactive and seek advice from your local veterinary practitioner and follow any of the steps above to avoid running into any future issues with their health.