Infections linked to poor dental health cause bacteria buildup that can affect distant organs such as the heart and kidneys. That’s why it’s important to follow a series of recommendations and visit the veterinarian regularly.
Daily care for our pets is important, not just for hygiene but also for their health.
Just like with young children, a pet depends on us to care for them, and oral hygiene directly impacts the health of our animals, affecting the digestive system and indirectly the rest of the body.
Small or ‘toy’ breed dogs, such as poodles or Yorkshire terriers, are more prone than large breeds to dental problems as they age. It’s very important to get them used to having their mouth and teeth handled from a young age (ideally before four months old) so that dental hygiene becomes a habit and can be done easily.
However, mouth diseases are also common in cats. Unlike dogs, cats often have mouth problems secondary to viral infections, so the best way to prevent these issues is to vaccinate them and always follow the recommended veterinary checkups.
5 Key Tips for Your Pet’s Oral Health Care
Steps to help your pets maintain a healthy mouth:
Preventive care:
Preventive care with specific products, such as toothpastes and antiseptics, that prevent future bacteria buildup on dental plaque will delay the onset of mouth and tooth diseases. Using these products is simple, and there are pet-friendly options on the market with flavors that appeal to our four-legged companions for regular use.
Antiseptics and no-rinse toothpastes:
There are specific toothpastes for dogs and cats, for example, with meat flavors that don’t require rinsing. This makes them easy and convenient to use.
Products used for veterinary patients are often enzymatic and highly effective. Some don’t even require brushing and are applied to the gums, releasing gradually to improve their effectiveness and allow for less frequent application.
Currently, there are various antiseptics with a wide range of features to make them easy to use on pets that are difficult to handle.
Regular dental cleanings:
When it comes to dental cleanings, the ideal frequency would be daily, but there are now products on the market that allow for less frequent application. Any effort made will be very beneficial and will delay the buildup of dental plaque.
Annual veterinary checkup:
Veterinarians recommend an annual checkup for pets, during which a health review is conducted, and the condition of the mouth and teeth is checked. However, for older pets, a semiannual or even more frequent checkup may be necessary.
Home or veterinary maintenance, depending on the dog’s age: Daily and weekly oral health care should always be done at home.
It’s common for pets, especially older ones and those not receiving preventive care at home, to need dental exams and cleanings under sedation. In such cases, this must be done at a veterinary clinic by specialized staff. Cleanings are typically performed with ultrasound equipment, and it’s often necessary to extract damaged teeth.
Objects or toys that aid in prevention:
It’s also beneficial for dogs to have hard toys, ropes, or treats they can chew. Due to their abrasive effect, these help prevent dental plaque.
Poor oral health can cause significant pain, especially in older dogs, who may struggle to eat due to tooth pain. This leads to poor overall health, weakness, weight loss, and ultimately a lower quality of life.
If you have questions about your pet’s well-being, please email: DrBorrego@petsvet.com www.petsvet.com
Dr. Enrique Borrego is the medical director of Animal General Hospital, located at
501 SW Port Saint Lucie Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, FL 34953 Phone 772-344-8835
Serving our Treasure Coast community since 1990
Image: ExpertoAnimal
