Pet Dental Care

Why dental care is important for your pet

Let’s be honest, no one loves a trip to the dentist for a filling or a root canal but that’s exactly what can happen if you don’t look after your teeth. It’s no different for your dog or cat – without good, regular dental care plaque will build up and lead to dental problems like gum disease and decay.

Not only can poor dental health be painful for them it’s not great for their overall health either. Bacteria from tooth decay can enter their bloodstream and cause problems in organs like the kidneys, liver and heart.

It’s also important for maintaining appetite and a healthy diet. A dog or cat with painful teeth may struggle to eat or lose interest in meals, impacting their nutrition and energy levels.

And lastly, it can stop bad breath. Dental disease is a common cause of bad breath in pets, but regular dental care can keep their mouth fresher and more pleasant which is a bonus for everyone.

Supporting your pet’s dental health

Pet dental care needn’t be onerous or costly. In fact, regular brushing can save you money by preventing more serious problems like broken or infected teeth, periodontal disease and cavities which need veterinary care. By including daily brushing in your pet’s routine, just like you do with your own teeth, you can keep them healthy.

How to brush your pet’s teeth

Try to get into the habit of brushing their teeth for a few minutes a day but start slowly to get them used to the process. Make sure you use a dog- or cat-friendly toothbrush and paste – human toothpaste can be toxic for animals. Follow these steps for pet-safe brushing:

1. Before you jump straight into brushing get your pet used to having their mouth handled. Gently lift their lips and touch their tooth and gums for a few seconds at a time, rewarding them with praise or a treat afterwards.
2. Introduce a pet-friendly toothpastes. These come in flavours like chicken, fish or beef which are more appealing to animals. Let them lick a little on your finger to get them used to the taste and smell.
3. Try rubbing a little toothpaste on their teeth with your finger or a soft cloth. This gets them used to the sensation of having their teeth cleaned without the pressure of a brush.
4. Once they’re comfortable with the paste and your finger you can start to introduce a pet-friendly toothbrush. These are softer than human brushes.
5. As your pet becomes used to it increase the brushing time concentrating on all of the teeth. Focus on the outside of the teeth where they’re prone to plaque build-up.
6. Make it a regular part of your daily routine just like you would brushing your own teeth. The more consistent you are the better it is for their oral health.

Emergency pet dental care

You know your pet well which means you’ll probably spot when they’re in pain or discomfort. With a dental emergency you may notice your cat or dog in visible pain, or they may be bleeding from the mouth. If that happens you should see your vet as soon as possible and Medivet has emergency 24-hour clinics across the UK who can help.

However, animals can be very good at hiding oral pain or dental disease. Even with severe dental problems some will carry on eating and only show subtle signs something is wrong.

If you think your pet has a problem, it’s best to be on the safe side and get them checked out. Book an appointment at one of our clinics – we’re here to help.