Since
February is Veterinary Dental Month, I thought we could focus on dental issues
for this blog.
There are
three main areas of dental care that we can discuss: Prevention, Dealing with Current Disease, and
Maintenance.
Prevention
Prevention
is always much easier when starting with a puppy or kitten. They are so more relaxed and open to training
and, if we think of dental care as much a part of training as housebreaking,
bathing, grooming, and obedience commands are, we are way ahead of the
game. When we adopt older animals, we
just have to try a little harder and use our imagination a little more. Developing routines while getting to know our
new pal is crucial to both them feeling safe in their new environment and to
our own personal sanity. That being
said, older cats may not be as open to having their teeth brushed.
Picking the
appropriate products is a good place to start.
Commercial products run the gamut of different flavored toothpastes,
types of toothbrushes, a variety of oral rinses, and water additives. NEVER use human toothpaste as fluoride is
toxic to pets so their paste has to be something that they can swallow (no
rinsing & spitting here). Enzymatic toothpaste is the best choice because
the enzymes continue to work around the parts of the teeth you may not have
reached. Larger pet toothbrushes are
great for large dogs, but cats and small dogs respond better to the finger
toothbrush (so named because it fits over your finger and allows you more
control over where you are brushing and fits better in their little mouths).
Start by
letting your pet taste the toothpaste you have chosen to see if they even like
the taste of it. Once you’ve found the flavor they like, then we are on our
way. Again, think of it like any other
training process – small steps lead to great success! Next, use your finger and
rub a little of the toothpaste on a small area of the teeth and gums, rewarding the pet with
lots of praise. Always stop while you
are ahead and on a good note and repeat the following day going a little
farther, increasing the time and area covered each day. Doing this at the same time every day, when
you are relaxed, also helps to develop it as a routine. The goal should be to
brush your pet’s teeth 5 to 7 days per week.
If you have any questions, please call our office or your veterinarian.
Remember,
every day is a gift! Lynelle