Dental disease (usually periodontal disease) in animals is about more than bad breath and toothaches. The bacteria that causes dental disease can be swallowed or enter the blood stream through bleeding gums. Once in the blood stream the bacteria can have serious consequences, including blood poisoning and organ damage such as heart disease and kidney failure. Given the potentially devastating effects of poor animal dental health, it is important to know how to foster healthy teeth and gums in your dog or cat.
People are accustomed to managing their own dental care on a daily basis, so for most of us a trip to the dentist is (hopefully) nothing more than a check up and clean. However, the risks associated with dental disease in animals means that veterinary dental procedures are more comprehensive and can include including general anesthesia and hospitalization, teeth cleaning and polishing, and fluoride treatment as well as extractions and dental surgery as necessary. Typically an animal should have their first dental check at approximately six months to see if there are any retained baby teeth. After this, your animal should have their teeth checked annually when they receives their vaccinations.
In addition, you should learn to identify the warning signs for periodontal disease and monitor your dog or cat between check ups. One of the earliest signs of dental disease is bad breath. As tartar builds up on the teeth, bacteria feed off the tartar and create foul odors. If your animal has noticeably bad breath, check their teeth near the gum line for a yellow-brown crust of plaque. Furthermore, check to see if the gums are red, swollen or bleeding and monitor your animal’s behaviour. If your cat or dog has difficulty eating or a depressed appetite, then they may be in pain because of infected gums stemming from dental disease. If your cat or dog is exhibiting the signs of dental disease, then book an appointment with your local veterinarian to have their teeth cleaned and polished and, if necessary, extractions and surgery.
Even if your animal’s gums appear in good health, you can take measures to ensure they stay that way.
1) Brushing Teeth – For most dogs and cats, brushing teeth can be fun. Be sure to use animal toothpaste – as the dental needs of dogs and cats differ from those of humans, so do their toothpastes. Toothpaste can be applied to toys for dogs, so that your dog effectively brushes their teeth when they chew on the toy.
2) Aquadent and Dentafresh – Aquadent can be added to drinking water to freshen the mouth, while a couple drops of Dentafresh, which has a pleasant taste to most animals, can be applied directly onto your animal’s gums. Similar to mouthwash for humans, both of these products kill harmful bacteria in the mouth.
3) Chews – A number of companies have developed chews, such as CT Chews and Oralzyme, for cats and dogs with enzymes to dissolve plaque. In addition, chews help to stimulate the gums and prevent gumline recession.
4) Biscuits & Diet – Feeding your pet a well-balanced diet will aid in keeping their gums healthy. In addition, there are a number of commercial biscuits on the market formulated to clean teeth. Many companies guarantee your money back if your animal doesn’t like the taste.
5) Natural Alternatives – Raw bones, such as chicken necks, chicken carcasses, and marrow bones are natural alternatives to commercial chew toys. As dogs chew and scrape their teeth on the bones, they will help remove food debris and prevent tartar build up. These bones are also great for relieving boredom and separation anxiety. In addition, all natural rawhide dog chews can’t ribbon and are easy to digest.
6) Charcoal – A piece of raw charcoal can help alleviate your animal’s bad breath. Don’t take charcoal from your BBQ, rather get it from your local pet store.
Some statistics estimate that the majority of dogs or cats over 4 years old suffer from periodontal disease. By monitoring your animal’s gums and caring for their teeth and gums, you can foster good dental health – and that is guaranteed to contribute to your animal’s overall wellbeing and quality of life.
Article by Megan Smith. Information courtesy of Gwenda Williams, veterinarian at the Pet Doctor Hospital in Bibra Lake, and Sylvana Miller, holistic healer at All Creatures Healing. .
