Dental Health for Pets
We all know how important it is to take care of our teeth. Studies have shown that gingivitis and periodontal disease have been linked to heart disease and other long-term health issues. Dentists recommend we floss and brush thoroughly twice a day to prevent bacteria from overpopulating. If left untreated, these harmful microorganisms will then enter the bloodstream and eventually attach themselves to fatty plaques responsible for causing blockages in arteries and leading to heart problems.
Just like humans, pet can also get dental disease that can lead to serious health problems including heart, lung and kidney disease. The American Veterinary Dental Society reports that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cat show signs of oral disease by age three.
Bad breath is probably the most common sign that your pet needs some dental care. Pain when eating, drooling, excessive licking, bloody saliva, rubbing the face or muzzle and pawing at the mouth can all be signs of dental problems.
Brushing your pet's teeth has many ways but the most important is just do it. Using a child's toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles works well and fits into the mouth of small dogs and cats and can also reach the back teeth. When it comes with toothpaste, owners should use pet toothpaste and not people toothpaste because pets will swallow this and get too much fluoride. Daily brushing would be ideal for two to three minutes at a time.
Here are the following process to clean the inside surfaces of your pet's teeth:
1. Place your hand over your pet’s muzzle from the top
2. Gently squeeze and push his lips on one side between the back teeth (to keep his mouth open)
3. Pull his head back gently so his mouth opens
4. Brush his teeth on the opposite side
5. Repeat this process for the other side
If your dog or cat continues to resist, try gently wrapping him in a large bath towel with only his head sticking out. Above all, avoid overstraining and keep sessions short and positive. With a little daily help, you can improve your pet's dental and physical health.
Just like humans, pet can also get dental disease that can lead to serious health problems including heart, lung and kidney disease. The American Veterinary Dental Society reports that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cat show signs of oral disease by age three.
Bad breath is probably the most common sign that your pet needs some dental care. Pain when eating, drooling, excessive licking, bloody saliva, rubbing the face or muzzle and pawing at the mouth can all be signs of dental problems.
Brushing your pet's teeth has many ways but the most important is just do it. Using a child's toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles works well and fits into the mouth of small dogs and cats and can also reach the back teeth. When it comes with toothpaste, owners should use pet toothpaste and not people toothpaste because pets will swallow this and get too much fluoride. Daily brushing would be ideal for two to three minutes at a time.
Here are the following process to clean the inside surfaces of your pet's teeth:
1. Place your hand over your pet’s muzzle from the top
2. Gently squeeze and push his lips on one side between the back teeth (to keep his mouth open)
3. Pull his head back gently so his mouth opens
4. Brush his teeth on the opposite side
5. Repeat this process for the other side
If your dog or cat continues to resist, try gently wrapping him in a large bath towel with only his head sticking out. Above all, avoid overstraining and keep sessions short and positive. With a little daily help, you can improve your pet's dental and physical health.
