With Halloween now over, many of us are trying to cover up all traces of our candy binging with frantic teeth brushing and a sudden motivation to floss. And yet, we should always be thinking about our dental health! But what about our furry friends?
In this article, we give you 4 useful tips to keep your dog or cat's teeth as healthy as can be.
1. Schedule regular professional cleanings
The most important part of maintaining your dog or cat's oral health is scheduling regular checkups and cleanings with your veterinarian dentist. Your vet is the only professional qualified to diagnose and treat periodontal diseases that may go undetected to the untrained eye. Although there is a cost involved in visiting your veterinarian, these cleanings should not be seen as a luxury, but rather as essential care for your pet's health.
2. Brush teeth daily
What's good for you is also good for your pet. Brushing your canine or feline's teeth daily is the best way to prevent tartar and harmful bacteria from building up on their teeth and gums.
Although it takes some getting used to by your dog or cat and a good deal of patience on your part, you can easily train your furry friend to have its teeth brushed in the same way you would to trim its nails.
It's important to use a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for pets. Dog owners, your pooch will love Naturo-Patte’s smoked BBQ flavoured toothpaste!
3. Choose food that promotes oral health
When it comes to feeding your sidekick, crunchy kibbles are far preferable to canned foods, as the latter tend to stick to the teeth and promote plaque and tartar build-up. There are several types of kibbles on the market that help clean teeth as your pet eats. We recommend that you talk to your vet if you need recommendations.
4. Give chew toys and dental treats
What pet doesn't love treats? And when they're specially designed to keep your pooch's teeth and gums clean while refreshing their breath, it's a win-win! Again, ask your vet about your options.
Also, did you know that the simple act of chewing is beneficial to your pet's oral health? Giving your pet chew toys made of rubber or non-abrasive materials is a very effective (and calorie-free) way to remove food residue from the teeth. Bones, tree branches, ice cubes and tennis balls should be avoided as they can damage enamel and even break teeth.
Conclusion
Like humans, taking care of your dog's or cat's teeth is the best way to avoid more complex and expensive treatments in the long run. By putting these 4 tips into practice, you and your pet will be nothing but smiles!