Why Your Pets Need Proper Dental Care

Many pet owners are clueless when it comes to taking care of their dog or cat's teeth. Pet care is concentrated on feeding, bathing or playing with them. Oral health care is quite unheard of considering that it is actually an integral part of the health and wellness of these furry creatures.

If proper dental care is not observed, your pet may suffer from dental diseases leading to more serious side effects. By checking the mouth, you would know if your pet is already infected with any disease. Bad breath, increased drooling, inflamed gums, bleeding gums, presence of tartar and so on are indications that oral hygiene needs attention. Early prevention would avoid dental diseases to progress. Otherwise organs such as kidney, heart and intestinal tract will also be affected.

Every pet owner must fully understand the importance of oral health care for their dogs and cats. Brushing your pet's teeth helps eliminate most of the problem. Don't wait for plague to build up before learning the proper way of brushing. When brushing, never use human products as this can be harmful. There is a specialized pet toothbrush which owners can slip on to their finger. Use this or just improvise. Pet toothpaste is also available in a variety of flavors. It is best to purchase your pet's favorite.

Ideally, you should introduce brushing while your pets are still young. This is to train them and let them grow accustomed to humans touching their mouth and teeth. At first, your dog might not like the idea. Find time when dogs can stay still so brushing will go smoothly. It is normal to start slow. Eventually these furry pals will be used to it and brushing becomes an activity to look forward to. Just remember to stop when they get agitated. And give rewards after. Giving your dog hard treats can help prevent the build-up of plaque.

Make it a habit to look inside your pet's mouth every now and then. You should take them to the vet once you notice the following: bad breath persists, eating habits have changed, drooling becomes excessive, teeth missing or misaligned, sudden depression, bleeding gums, tartar, and excessive pawing at the face or mouth.