Preventative Dental Care for your pet [IMPORTANT]

Preventative Dental Care for your pet

Poor dental health is a common problem in the middle aged and senior dogs and cats. These problems often begin from an early age and progress to become an issue of significant health concerns. Diseased teeth are a reservoir of infection and can contribute to kidney and liver disease. Bacteria can be pushed up under the gum line where it can readily enter the blood stream. Pet care includes dental care and this requires you as a responsible owner to help your pets maintain healthy teeth and gums.


1) FEEDING BONES

* DOGS - raw lamb bones, or chicken wings or necks for small dogs, or rawhide or greenies. ( Dental bones are not recommended as they are often too soft and dogs tend to chew and swallow them.)
* CATS - raw chicken necks, wings and drumsticks.

NEVER FEED COOKED BONES TO YOUR DOG OR CAT

2) DRY FOOD
* Encourage chewing to assist removal of plaque, helping to ensure healthy teeth and gums.
* Premium dry foods such as Science Diet Oral Care, Hills T/D or Eukanuba all have dietary formulation specifically designed to reduce plaque build up.
* To achieve the optimum dental benefits from feeding premium food, they are designed to be fed as the pets' main diet. That is, the premium diet is not as beneficial if 'diluted' amongst another diet.

3) MEAT
* Feeding strips of raw meat encourages chewing and is highly recomended.

4) TEETH BRUSHING
* Use a regular , soft -bristle toothbrush, and a special PET dental paste.
* The paste is designed specifically for animals, under no circumstances should a human toothpaste be used for your animal. Human toothpaste are not designed to be swallowed and pets resent the frothing effect.
* Brush at least twice a week, particularly if pets are on soft foods.
* Breeds with short noses, or dogs with more crowded teeth may require more attention (e.g. daily brushing).

5) MOUTH CARE
* Maxigurd Oral Cleansing Gel is a very simple, easy and effective way to keep the mouth fresh and clean, no brushing is needed. Application is via a fingertip or swab rubbed directly on the teeth. It is suitable for dogs and cats. When using maxigurd, it is important to only use a small amount.

6) REGULAR VET CHECK UPS
Regular vet check ups are highly recommended as part of the prevention routine. Ask your vet about your pet's dental health whenever you are at the surgery.

More information:
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Could my Dog or Cat have Periodontal Disease?
http://www.dentalvet.com/patients/perio ... eriodo.htm

WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?
http://www.sthuberts.org/petpouri/articles/dental.asp

Dog Oral Hygiene
http://www.kerryblues.info/HEALTH/DENTAL.HTML

Dental Problems in Dogs & Cats: The Nuts & Bolts
http://www.dr-dan.com/dental.htm


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