On pets: Clean teeth help keep your dog healthy
February is National Pet Dental Health Month - a month set aside to raise awareness of the dangers of dental disease in pets.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some degree of dental disease by the time they are 3 years old.
Dental disease, linked to heart disease and other organ damage, begins as plaque forms on teeth. Plaque is the substance that develops on teeth within a few hours after eating. It accumulates and transforms into tartar, providing a place for bacteria to grow and multiply.
Inflammation of the gums results and the process can progress to periodontal disease.
An annual oral exam and dental cleaning to remove built-up tartar are very important, but caring for your pet's dental health is important all year long. After a dental cleaning at the vet, keep his teeth clean and gums healthy with a tooth-brushing routine.
Most pets won't be happy about a toothbrush forced into their mouths out of the blue. Getting your pet used to having his teeth brushed is a process.
Start by choosing a time when you and your pet are relaxed. A small pet can sit in your lap or a larger pet can sit beside you. While petting his head, stroke the outside of his cheeks with your finger. If this is enjoyable (or at least causes no reaction), continue stroking, intermittently lifting his upper lip and gently opening his mouth.
Next, put a bit of toothpaste formulated for pets on your finger and let him taste it. Toothpaste is available in a variety of flavors, so if the first one doesn't seem like a treat, try another.
Then put the paste on a finger brush. A finger brush slips over your finger and may seem less intimidating than a toothbrush. Let your pet sniff it (and taste some, too) before lifting his lips, brushing a few teeth and then rewarding and praising good behavior.
Repeat the process, gradually working your way around to the back teeth, taking as many breaks as your pet needs.
The main focus of brushing is cleaning the outside part of teeth and gums. You don't need to force his mouth open wide enough to clean the inside. With time, reduce and then eliminate breaks until brushing is a natural part of the daily routine.
A toothbrush can be substituted for the finger brush, or introduced after your pet is comfortable with the finger brush. Don't discourage chewing on a toothbrush, but don't leave it out with his toys.
Preventing dental disease is considerably less expensive than a dental procedure. Regular brushing removes food particles, reducing the amount of plaque and tartar formation. Regular brushing also gets your pet used to having his mouth opened, which your vet will appreciate during your pet's next examination.
If your pet hasn't had an exam at his vet in the last year, celebrate National Pet Dental Health Month by making an appointment.
Schedule a dental cleaning and start your tooth-brushing routine today.
Diana Stoll is the Practice Manager at Red Barn Animal Hospital with locations in Hampshire and Gilberts. Visit redbarnpetvet.com/ or call (847) 683-4788 (Hampshire) or (847) 422-1000 (Gilberts).