National Pet Dental Health Month
February is National Pet Dental Health Month, and Wise and Wonderful Integrative Veterinary Center is offering a limited number of discounted dental procedures and products through March 31, 2023. Call 707-546-4646 for additional details.
Bad breath in pets can signify dental problems, such as gum disease, cavities, or tooth infections. Neglecting your pet’s dental health can lead to serious health issues like heart, liver, and kidney disease. In addition, dental problems can also cause pain and discomfort for your pet, which can impact their quality of life and overall well-being. Wise and Wonderful Integrative Veterinary Center, your local Santa Rosa vet, offers tips on caring for your pet’s teeth.
Regular dental checkups with a veterinarian are essential to maintaining your pet’s oral health. During these checkups, the veterinarian can examine your pet’s teeth and gums for signs of problems, such as plaque buildup, tartar, gingivitis, or tooth decay. If any issues are detected, the veterinarian can recommend a treatment plan to address them and prevent further problems. In addition to regular checkups, it’s also essential to provide your pet with appropriate dental care at home:
Dental Products
You have other options if your dog or cat does not want to have their teeth brushed. Dental formula treats, kibble, and chews can also help prevent tartar buildup. Oral rinses and dental flakes are beneficial as well.
Healthy Chew Toys
Chewing will also help keep your dog’s mouth healthy. It will keep your dog’s jaw muscles strong and promote saliva flow. Make sure your canine pal always has plenty of chew toys.
Nylon bones are tough and durable and can help remove plaque and tartar from a dog’s teeth as they chew.
Rubber toys are flexible and can be great for dogs to chew on, especially for dogs who love to chew but are tough on their toys.
Rope toys can be great for dental health because they floss a dog’s teeth as they chew. They can also be used for tug-of-war and other interactive play.
Dental chews are designed to promote oral health in dogs. They often have ridges or nubs that help clean a dog’s teeth as they chew.
It’s important to supervise your dog when playing with toys and replace any toys showing signs of wear or tear. By providing your dog with healthy chew toys, you can help promote their dental health and keep their mouth healthy and pain-free.
Water
Water is vital for many reasons, but it’s crucial to keeping your pet’s mouth healthy. Cats, in particular, benefit from clean, fresh water:
Drinking plenty of water is essential for a cat’s overall health and well-being, including dental health. When a cat is dehydrated, saliva production decreases, increasing the risk of plaque and tartar buildup on teeth.
Drinking water can help dilute oral bacteria and freshen a cat’s breath.
Stimulation of saliva production: Drinking water can help stimulate saliva production, which is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. Saliva helps neutralize harmful acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and helps wash away food particles and plaque.
Prevention of urinary tract problems: Staying well hydrated can also help prevent urinary tract problems, which can directly impact a cat’s dental health. Urinary tract problems can lead to painful bladder infections and crystal formation, which can cause pain and discomfort in a cat’s mouth and jaw.
It’s crucial to ensure that your cat or dog always has access to clean, fresh water and to replace the water regularly to prevent contamination. You can help promote your pet’s dental health and overall well-being by providing plenty of clean water.
Do you know or suspect that your dog or cat has dental troubles? Contact us, your Santa Rosa, CA vet clinic, today! Wise and Wonderful Integrative Veterinary Center is offering a limited number of discounted dental procedures and products through March 31, 2023. Call 707-546-4646 for additional details.
