Pet owners are some of the most responsible, caring people out there. They usually know exactly what their best friends need, and try their hardest to provide it. 

Despite this commitment, it can be very challenging to maintain a dental care routine at home. Sure, there are some great food products designed to reduce plaque and tartar accumulation. But there really isn’t a substitute for brushing your pet’s teeth at home. 

We know it can be hard to start, but our tips aim to help you establish a safe, nurturing habit.

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Pet

Taking care of your pet’s teeth and gums is essential for their overall health and well being. In fact, by reducing plaque, tarter and inflammation, routine care can actually extend a best friend’s life. 

We recommend annual dental exams and professional cleanings under anesthesia. The opportunity to examine and evaluate the health of an animal’s teeth and gums can direct a long term plan for optimal wellness.

Without routine care (professional and at home), pets can become victims of bone loss, jaw fractures, pain, and systemic illness.

Easy Street

Providing dental care at home doesn’t always come easy, but when paired with regular screenings and professional cleanings, it is part of a comprehensive health plan. The best part? You get great results. With less pain and fewer bills, brushing your pet’s teeth at home is a must.

Vast Majority

More than 80% of adult and senior pets suffer from some degree of periodontal disease. To prevent this from happening, try establishing the following at home:

• Acquire a pet-specific toothbrush because they are smaller and softer than those for people. Sometimes, using your pinky finger can help you access those back teeth a bit easier and is more tolerable to your pet.
• Only use pet toothpaste, as products designed for people are toxic to animals. There are many to choose from, and it might take time to figure out what flavor your pet prefers. 
• Before you begin, provide a fun exercise opportunity to dispel extra energy. 
• Stay calm and don’t force the experience. If they show fear or resistance, give praise and affection. Try the next day, but please don’t give up.

Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth

You’ll have to introduce your pet to their toothbrush and toothpaste. With praise and rewards, start to rub a finger or the brush against the teeth. If they are unaccustomed to this sensation, it may take considerable amount of time to get them used to it.

After they show signs of acceptance, use slow, circular motions on the teeth at the back of the mouth and move toward the front. The outside surface of the teeth, along the gum line, have the most plaque and tartar build up.

Aim for once a day or at least 3 times a week.

Barriers to Success

Knowing that the benefits of proper dental care impact a pet’s day to day health, as well as extending their lifespan, we hope that more pet owners will commit to a routine. 

If you have further questions about brushing your pet’s teeth at home, please contact us. We’re always here for you at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

The post The Gold Star Guide to Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth at Home  appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Imagine not brushing your own teeth. Within a day, your mouth would probably feel pretty gross. For most pets, never having their teeth brushed or professionally scaled is a fact of life. 

While it can seem frivolous or indulgent to care for a pet’s teeth, the fact is that a large majority of cats and dogs suffer from the effects of periodontal (gum) disease by the time they reach age 3. Caused by poor pet dental care, this irreversible disease is 100% preventable.

Responsible Pet Ownership

Just like regular brushing or nail clipping helps your pet look and feel good, routine dental care can significantly add to their health and happiness. Sure, some pets resist having their teeth brushed. But when approached with patience, consistency and positive reinforcement even the most hesitant pets will eventually tolerate it. 

Younger pets are easier to train, so we recommend starting them as easily as possible.

Why It’s So Important

Tartar builds up over time through a process in which plaque (caused by oral bacteria) calcifies. Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, can lead to infection, erosion, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Chewing on hard toys or treats can break teeth, painfully expose nerves, cause infection, and require extraction.

Where to Start

At your pet’s yearly or bi-annual wellness exam, we take a look inside their mouth to assess the condition of teeth and gums: 

• Tarter is common on the back molars, and left alone, the gums can eventually recede, making the tooth fall out. 
• Infection and damage to the surrounding bone tissue typically follow. 
• What’s worse, oral bacteria can seep into the bloodstream where it can damage major organs, like the liver, kidneys, and heart.

Professional Intervention

To protect both pets and vets, animals receive general anesthesia prior to a full dental exam and cleaning. Using special dental tools we’ll remove plaque and tartar from the gum line. We will polish, smooth, apply fluoride, or barrier sealant to further protect the teeth. Because we cannot see the full extent of periodontal disease, we will take digital dental x-rays to see what’s really going one beneath the gum line.

Pet Dental Care at Home

Brushing your pet’s teeth at home is one of the best things you can do to safeguard their long term health. The process helps reduce oral bacteria that can lead to plaque and tartar buildup. 

• Using a special pet toothbrush and toothpaste (never human toothpaste, please). 
• Start slowly with small circles around the teeth and gum line.
• Once they’re comfortable with the sensation, you can increase the length and frequency of pet dental care at home. 

Certain toys, treats, rinses, and chews can reduce oral bacteria. Please let us know if you need help finding the right dental products for your pet. 

All Pets Benefit

While a great deal is said about pet dental care for cats and dogs, they aren’t the only pets that benefit from routine attention. 

The exotic pets we love can be at risk for painful abscesses caused by misaligned teeth. Guinea pigs and chinchillas are commonly seen for impacted teeth. Luckily, because they require tooth trims, we can stay in front of any developing problems.

If you ever notice the following symptoms of periodontal disease, Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is always here to help address pet dental care:

• Bad breath
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Pain or pawing at the face
• Drooling
• Lethargy/depression
• Eye discharge
• Facial swelling
• Swollen or reddened gums

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information, or to schedule an appointment for your pet. We’re always here for you!

The post Is Pet Dental Care Really Necessary? The Answer May Surprise You appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.