Recommended products that can help fight pet dental disease!

Dental disease is the most common medical condition seen by veterinarians.  Over 68% of all pets over the age of three are estimated to have some form of periodontal disease.  Few pets actually show signs of dental disease, as it is in their nature to hide pain.  The pet’s owner will usually not even be aware of the disease progression until the pet’s breath is so bad that you really don’t want their occasional “kiss.”

During a physical examination, the veterinarian will lift the lip of the pet to check the teeth.  We are hoping to see pink healthy gums and clean white teeth.  Unfortunately, this is rarely the case in our adult pets.  Red inflamed gums and some degree of plaque are much more commonly seen during the examination.

Good news!  There are several ways that you, their caring owner, can aid in controlling dental disease in our pet.

1.       Unless your pet is on a restricted diet of some sort, there are many foods that are specifically designed to control plaque formation.  These diets, such as Hill’s Prescription Diet T/D ™, contain special fibers and enzymes to combat plaque.  They work best on clean, healthy teeth, but can be used to prevent further plaque formation until the teeth can be professionally cleaned, if needed.

2.       Enzyme infused rawhides, such as VetEnzadent chews, can be given to dogs to give their teeth a special “brushing” while they enjoy their treat. 

3.       Water additives, such as Oxyfresh, are designed to combat plaque formation, and the bad breath it causes.  A capful is added to the pet’s daily drinking water…how simple is that!

 4.       There are toothpastes designed especially for pets.  A note here---DO NOT use human toothpaste for your pet.  To put it indelicately, pets cannot “spit” and therefore should not have human toothpaste used in their mouth.  Pet toothpastes are designed to do everything a human toothpaste does, but in a formula that can be swallowed.  A child’s soft toothbrush or a washcloth over your finger is the best implement for brushing the teeth.  Twice a week is the recommended time frame for this process; daily is great, but perhaps not manageable. 

5.       Nylabones are made in a special dental design which can help in plaque control.  They have special “nubbies” on them which scrape the teeth as the pet chews. 

  

Call our office if you have any questions about any of these products for would like to schedule your pet’s no charge oral exam with a Registered Veterinary Technician.