How to keep your pet’s teeth clean
Are you wondering how to keep your dog’s teeth clean, or how to keep your cat’s teeth clean? Well continue reading because keeping your pet’s teeth clean is vital, as ignoring it can lead to plaque building up and potential dental problems. Dental disease is very common in dogs, second to ear infections and can cause extreme uncomfort. One in every 8 dogs (12.5%) overall suffers from dental disease every year, according to RVC research, therefore maintaining healthy teeth for your dog or cat is of the utmost importance.
6 ways to keep your pet’s teeth clean and healthy
1 Brush your pet’s teeth with pet friendly toothpaste
Not only for pets, but also us humans, it should be common practice to brush teeth, as it is the foundation and starting point of good oral health. It is ideal to brush your pet’s teeth daily, however if you are struggling to do so, as long as you do it once a week your pet should be fine, however the more often, the better.
You will need a toothbrush for your furry friend, and these are usually specially designed with a curve on each end to allow you to brush their teeth easier. For example, our enzymatic toothbrush, which will neutralise bad breath and prevent plaque, is perfect for your dog, or our Virbac dental toothpaste kit which is suitable for cats and dogs.
Toothpaste is also necessary, and specifically-designed pet toothpaste will avoid any ingredients that are in human toothpaste that are toxic for your pet, such as xylitol and fluoride. Pet toothpaste can come in many flavours like beef, chicken, peanut butter and more. We offer an Enzymatic toothpaste poultry for dogs and cats, to keep your pet’s teeth healthy, clean and safe. Establishing a regular teeth cleaning schedule at home will get your pet into a routine of doing it, and it will take less time than you think.
2 Chomping on dental chews
This one is usually aimed more at dogs, but dental chews are a two-for-one, you can clean your pet’s teeth whilst also stimulating their cravings for a tasty treat, keeping them happy and healthy at the same time. Dental chews are designed to taste delicious, and also minimise the build-up of plaque and tartar in your pets mouth, thus polishing their teeth to remain clean and white. Dental chews come in all shapes and sizes and they usually feature ridges that dig in between the teeth of your pet to encourage blood flow through the gums. This allows for a better grip for your pet, and a more even chew. Here at PharmPet Co, we supply dog chews that are low in calories, plant-based, gain-free, hpro-allergenic and allow for an extra long chew time in various flavours and sizes. Always remember to supervise your pet when they have a dental chew.
3 Plaqueoff powder for cats and dogs
At PharmPet Co we offer a Plaqueoff powder for cats and dogs, which is a dental product that you can use daily, made up of 100% natural products from seaweed. This powder can significantly complement and improve your pet’s dental hygiene, with an active ingredient of specially selected algae, Ascophyllum nodosum, harvested along the North Atlantic coast. This product is free from additives and artificial preservatives and contains no added sugar or gluten. Help fight your pet’s bad breath, tartar and plaque with this powder to maintain a healthy oral routine.
4 Hexarinse oral hygiene rinse for pets
For another simple step to add into your pet’s oral hygiene routine, the Hexarine oral hygiene rinse for pets is a perfect addon as it is a soothing, refreshing and palatable rinse for dogs and cats. Containing chlorhexidine gluconate, the antimicrobial activity of this can aid in the prevention of tooth and gum disease within your cat or dog. Using Hexarinse’s innovative formula will prevent plaque, gum disease, bad breath and temporarily relieve any minor gum irritations.
5 Chew toys
This one is more for the dogs, but even your average pet chew toy can improve their oral health. Chewing is a natural way for dogs to clean their teeth as the constant gnawing and biting scrapes plaque off of their teeth. You’re able to not only help your dog’s teeth become cleaner more regularly, but you’re also boosting their fun and mental stimulation whilst fighting boredom and plaque in one. Chew toys can also soothe any teething pains for puppies, therefore this is definitely a bonus step to add to your dog’s oral hygiene routine.
6 Regular veterinarian cleanings
Lastly, an essential step to keeping your pet safe and healthy is having regular professional cleanings or checkups with your veterinarian. Vets are very skilled at identifying any dental problems your pet may have or become susceptible to, and moving on to prevent and treat those problems. Most pets should have oral exams and cleanings at least once per year so your vet can check for any early warning signs of serious problems, just like a human dentist.
Signs of dental or gum disease in pets
Dental disease in your pet can usually appear quite suddenly, or it may progress over a longer period of time such as a few months. You can always make sure to get ahead of the problem to keep your dog or cat health by looking out for the following:
Gums may start to bleed or seem damaged
Smell – your pets breathe may give off a foul smell (halitosis) if there is an infection
Discoloured teeth may begin to become apparent, and eventually die and fall out
Refusing food or a drop in appetite may happen with your pet, as they could have difficulty eating due to troubled teeth, or even leaving bits of blood in their bowls
Weight loss may start to happen, as the dog cannot eat as much or properly