Pet dental care

Have you ever taken a moment to peek into your pet's mouth? Your veterinarian probably does when you bring them in for a Wellness Exam but pet parents should make this a regular part of caring for their pets, too.

Chewing food is the principal function of a pet's teeth but they also aid in food gathering, playing and training young ones. They can also be formidable weapons in some species (if you have ever trained a ferret you are likely nodding your head!) Taking care of an animal's dentition is just as important as providing good nutrition, warm shelter and companionship.

Signs that there may be something wrong with an animals teeth include: bad breath; red, swollen or bleeding gums; increased drooling; difficulty eating or hesitancy to eat; and a buildup of yellowish-brown plaque or tartar on the teeth. Some animals develop tooth infections that may lead to one-sided facial swelling. Any animal experiencing these symptoms may be reluctant to let you touch or come close to their face.

If these symptoms occur it is prudent to take your pet to their veterinarian. It would be even better to try to avoid these situations by providing preventative dental healthcare ahead of time. If you would like to try brushing your pet's teeth make sure to use an animal-specific toothpaste. These products generally contain enzymes that either dissolve tartar or help prevent its buildup altogether.

Not everyone has the skill set (or time or patience... let's be honest) to brush their pet's teeth. For those folks there are safe water additives you can add to the water bowl. There are also several high quality dental diets, chews and treats you can feed your pet. Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval to make sure the product you are buying is safe and effective. The VOHC is not a regulatory agency. It is a worldwide recognized group providing dental product endorsements (www.vohc.org for a full product list and more information.)

Your veterinarian may suggest a routine dental cleaning even if your pet is not showing signs of dental disease. A dental cleaning will be done under general anesthesia using an ultrasonic scaler and, ideally, dental radiographs. X-rays will help your veterinary team see if there is root decay or infection beneath the gum line. This gives them a guide as to whether or not any teeth need extracting. As many pets with dental issues are seniors, it is appropriate for your vet to recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork ahead of time.

Many small breeds of dogs are prone to dental disease. Some cats develop a painful condition called Feline Stomatitis which may even warrant full-mouth dental extractions. This can occur in cats of all ages and its development is not fully understood. If you have a Yorkie or a cat you may need to be even more vigilant about monitoring their oral health.

Try to pay attention to your pet's eating habits. This includes horses, too. Your veterinarian will be happy to recommend food and treats as well as hygiene practices to ensure a healthy mouth for the life of your pet!