When it comes to the comprehensive fitness and well-being of pets, one can’t overlook dental care. Good oral hygiene of a pet is paramount for the pet’s health. Oral hygiene starts with regular cleaning of teeth and visits to veterinary clinics Virginia Beach. Poor dental health can become the root cause of various ailments and illnesses. Unkempt teeth are an open invitation for plaque buildup. If tartar buildup is not removed, it can lead to other diseases. Tooth decay or loose teeth are commonly seen in dogs with poor dental hygiene. Some dogs may also experience excessive drooling, inflamed gums, bad breath, or have trouble eating due to loose and painful teeth. If these issues are not resolved in time, it can lead to serious health issues like liver failure, kidney ailments, heart, etc. These issues can quickly turn fatal without proper medical intervention.
Here are some things every pet parent should know about keeping good dental care for your pet.
Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth is Easy and Fun
One may think that brushing their dog\cat teeth can be a difficult task. However, all it takes is a pet-friendly soft-bristled brush, appealing flavored toothpaste, and will to clean the teeth. Also, refrain from using human toothpaste on pets. Human toothpaste contains chemicals and substances that are toxic to pets. Even if your pet ingests a small quality of human toothpaste, they get poisoned. Besides this, you should make the whole brushing experience rewarding for your pet. Rewarding your pet with their favorite treat every time they brush will instill positivity in them. Instead of resisting brushing, they will enjoy it.
How often should you brush your pet’s teeth?
While brushing twice a day is a standard norm for humans, setting the frequency for brushing a pet’s teeth can be tricky. Some believe that one should brush their pet’s teeth daily to keep the tartar from building up. However, how frequently you should brush your pooch’s teeth may depend on a wide range of things. Moreover, not all pets enjoy daily brushing. Whether you have a puppy, an adult dog, or a cat, regular brushing will ensure no dental issues. Some dog breeds are prone to dental illnesses, and thus, special care must be taken to keep their teeth and gums clean. Large dog breeds don’t require frequent teeth cleanups and brushing. If your pet has good teeth, routine cleanup may not be necessary.
One thing no one can argue upon is that regular dental inspection by a veterinarian is essential. You should take your pet to Virginia Beach vet hospital for a yearly dental checkup. The vet will not only remove any built-up plaque but also do other tests to rule out more serious issues like gum infection, tooth decay, etc.
Besides regular brushing of teeth, a healthy diet will also go a long way in keeping your pet’s teeth and gums healthy and disease-free. The toys your pets play with and chew on also affect their dental health. You should always supervise your pets when they are chewing on their toys to make sure they don’t hurt their teeth.