February is National Pet Dental Health Month. It is time to grasp the important part of your pet's anatomy that is often overlooked, the mouth.
Did you know that 95 per cent of dogs and cats suffer from varying degrees of dental disease? It is the most common illness in dogs and cats. Without treatment, it can lead to more serious illness of the kidneys, liver, and heart. Besides smelly breath, another indicator would be a change in behaviour or eating habits, even depression.
Pets, unlike us who can brush our teeth, floss, and do the mouthwash thing, rely on our help to keep them healthy. It's part of responsible pet ownership. When food particles accumulate between tooth surfaces causing bacteria to form a plaque of yellow film on the teeth, the road to dental disease begins. Tartar forms as the plaque hardens. In turn, it can infect the gums by causing pus pockets to develop under the gum line. Thus begins a case of Gingivitis, a full blown periodontal disease.
Cats, and smaller dog breeds, such as Yorkies, Maltese, Pekingese, etc., have a tendency for higher incidence of dental problems. That is why your veterinary check up is so essential. Often we will miss a specific problem that your doctor can pick up right away. Do not be afraid when your vet tells you your pet needs to be admitted for a dental procedure. This will make a big difference in the quality of life for your pet. Ask lots of questions. I always take a written list of questions prior to my vet visit just so I don't forget to ask a specific question. Remember your pet is not the only one under stress when you have a vet visit. Your pet is generally put under anesthesia for dental procedures. Let's be realistic, do you know of any dog or cat that will sit there, mouth opened as the veterinary pokes and probes the mouth? Plus, the pain factor must be considered. On occasion, when your pet is in surgery for another problem your doctor may recommend to do some preventive dental work at the same time.
Pets that eat just dry food have a much lower rate of dental problems than any pet that eats exclusively canned food or table food.
Brushing teeth should be part of your pet care. I know some folks find this very strange but it is really something that has to be done. When you get that puppy or kitten, start early by putting your fingers in their mouth to get them used to it. Ideally this should be done once a day but no less than twice a week. Then make the transition to either a baby toothbrush, or a finger toothbrush, a little rubber tip that fits onto your finger. A simple gauze pad also works.
What about toothpaste? Never use human toothpaste! We can swish and rises out, our pets cannot. Our toothpaste has a high detergent content which can make our pets very ill. There are pet toothpastes on the market. Making a paste from baking soda and water is also effective. The taste is not so great, but few of us view our toothpaste as a tasty treat.
What about biscuits? What pet doesn't like them? Whether or not they work as a benefit to teeth is another matter. According to several vets I spoke with, there is no evidence of biscuits serving any purpose in preventing dental disease. They crumble too fast, therefore reducing any grinding action.
There are dental toys available which are beneficial such as Kong Toys or Nyla Bones. There are also "dentabones" made by several companies. These are not dog biscuits, but specific bones made for tartar control. Several r companies, such as Hill's or Medi-Cal, produce dental diets designed specifically to alleviate and prevent dental disease.
Let me share an intimacy with you. Our beloved Yorkie, Carney who passed away in July had had teeth problems. It comes with the breed. Carney over the course of her life major dental work done and she lived to be 13 years old. She never would have made it that long had I ignored her teeth. Please do not ignore that very important body part.
On another note: Many of you knew that Carney went to heaven on July 5. I have tried so hard to write a column to share with you how very special she was. This is actually the first time I have mentioned her in this column since she passed. Even now as I write the tears fall as they do so very often. She was three pounds of the most unconditional love there could ever be. I am very lucky that I had her in my life.
There will never be another Carney Dog of Sunset Blvd. Thank you to Susan Scott for always being there listen and that very special holy guy who knows, all dogs go to heaven.
For the complete "smart-version" of the Prince George Citizen visit our Digital Edition
