Maintaining Your Pet's Dental Health

Ensuring the dental health of our beloved pets is paramount to their overall well-being and happiness. Establishing good oral hygiene habits in our pets, ideally, as soon as they develop their adult teeth, can go a long way in preventing dental diseases and the serious health issues that often accompany them... some as scary as heart disease.

Regrettably, dental disease is a common ailment in cats and dogs, affecting three out of every four dogs over the age of three.

Signs Your Pet's Dental Health Is At Risk

Before delving into the signs of potential dental health issues, it's essential to ensure that your cat or dog is comfortable with you examining their mouth. You want them to be as comfortable as possible. Once they're calm and you're confident they'll stay that way, here's what you need to be on the lookout for:

Assessing Teeth Colour: Teeth should be off-white with minimal tartar buildup, as tartar can accumulate unseen beneath the gum line, underscoring the importance of regular oral health check-ups.

Also, keep an eye out for these more conspicuous signs, as pets often conceal their pain:

Bad breath
Chewing primarily on one side of the mouth
Difficulty eating, especially if food is dropped during meals
Reduced interest in playing with favourite toys
Avoidance of touch around the snout or head
Sneezing or nasal discharge
Bloody saliva
Weight loss
Lumps under the eyes or in the mouth
Receding gums
Unusual distance or lack of enthusiasm

If your pet shows any of these signs, book an appointment with your vet, where together you can work out a plan to combat any further advances in your previous pup's dental health.

Why Prevention is Better than the Cure

Dental disease in pets progresses gradually and can be reversed when detected and treated early. However, prevention reigns supreme, especially for small dog breeds, which are more susceptible to gum disease than their larger counterparts.

However, research has shown that if left untreated, dental health conditions can advance rapidly, even without visible signs of gingivitis and other gum diseases, tooth breakages, etc. For this reason, instilling a home dental health care routine is highly recommended.

Four Steps to Maintain Your Pet's Dental Health

Home Toothbrushing: Initiating an oral hygiene routine from a young age can help your pets tolerate and enjoy daily toothbrushing.

Regular Oral Health Exams: Schedule your pet for an oral health exam with the veterinarian every six months. The vet will assess teeth for tartar and gums for gingivitis, offering specific treatments as needed.

Dental Chews: Incorporating dental chews into your dog's diet can aid in preventing gum disease, as some varieties effectively reduce tartar.

P.S. Check out our Kukuje Himalayan Dog Chew's.

Dog Toys: Choosing suitable toys for your canine companion can be a proactive step in safeguarding their oral well-being. When dogs chew on toys, several dental benefits come into play, including tartar removal and gum stimulation.

Include Dry Dental Food: You may consider including dry dental food in your pet's diet, especially for breeds prone to dental disease, as it's designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

Raw Big Bones: Another option to consider is adding big raw bones to your pet's dental care regimen. These can provide a natural way for your pet to clean their teeth while enjoying a tasty treat.

Ensuring the dental health of our beloved pets is essential for their overall well-being and happiness. Establishing good oral hygiene habits in our pets, ideally as soon as they develop their adult teeth, can make a significant difference in preventing dental diseases and the potential health complications that can arise as a result.

By following these steps and prioritising dental health, you can help ensure a happy and healthy smile for your cherished companion.

The Pet Food Australia team is here to support you and your dog through every stage of their lives. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s dental health, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're always happy to help!

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