Pet breath may never smell particularly fresh to us humans, but it should not be really odorous. But good dental health for pets is about more than the smell; it's about making sure your best friend is healthy from nose to tail.
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Every morning, like me, you probably brush your teeth. It’s part of our daily routine. It helps to keep our teeth and gums healthy and makes our breath smell better. But most of us rarely think about good dental care for our pets.
Many owners think bad breath in their dog or cat is just part of having a pet. The truth is that stinky pet breath could be an indication of dental problems. The American Veterinary Medical Association says that by the age of three, seventy percent of cats and eighty percent of dogs are developing oral disease.
Without regular brushing or cleaning, plaque builds up around the gums. Over time, the gums can become red and swollen, and roots of the teeth can be weakened. The bacteria in your pet’s mouth can make its way into the animal’s bloodstream which carries it throughout the body. If left untreated, infection from dental disease can spread to your pet’s heart, kidneys and other organs – it can even affect the nervous system.
The first step in keeping your pet’s mouth healthy is to ask your veterinarian to do a dental exam at least once a year. A survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association indicated that less than ten percent of cats and less than fifteen percent of dogs receive regular dental care at a veterinarian’s office. So just make it part of your furry friend’s annual visit for a check-up and shots. If needed, you can schedule a teeth cleaning, which required your pet to be anesthetized so the vet can scrape away the plaque that has built up around and under its gums.
If you start while the animal is young, you can train your pet to let you brush or rub its teeth. Remember never to use human tooth paste as it could be toxic to animals. There are also special diets, chew toys and other products that will help your pet maintain its clean teeth and fresh breath.
February is National Pet Dental Health Month, a good time to remember that preventing dental disease is one more way to keep your best friend healthy and happy. Now that’s something that makes us all smile, when we’re speaking of pets.
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