Tiny Bites: All About Pet Dental Care
February is National Pet Dental Health Month, and we couldn’t be more excited here at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital! Dental care and health is a cornerstone of overall wellness for both people and pets, and we hope to increase education and awareness of this vitally important health regimen.
Why Is Pet Dental Care Important?
There’s more to dental health than keeping those pearly whites clean. Dental infection and disease in pets can trigger a host of other, more serious, conditions ranging from problems with the immune system and organs to diabetes and cancer.
Your pet’s dental health arsenal is multi-faceted and should include regular dental exams and cleaning, home care, and proper nutrition.
What To Look For
Pets are notoriously stoic when it comes to pain, so it’s up to us pet owners to keep an eye on our pet’s dental health. Look for the following signs of pet dental disease:
- Foul breath
- Loss of appetite/difficulty eating
- Excessive drooling (especially in cats)
- Rubbing or pawing at mouth area
- Bleeding from mouth
- Broken or worn teeth
- Discolored teeth
If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, give us a call to schedule a dental examination right away. Early diagnosis and treatment of pet dental issues will not only save your pet’s teeth and prevent pain, it can also add years to his or her life.
Healthy Teeth Begin At Home
Your pet’s oral health doesn’t end with regular visits to the vet. Attending to your pet’s dental needs at home is a vitally important component in preventing dental disease.
Take A Look – Once per week, lift your pet’s lips and examine his or her mouth for signs of dental disease. Gums should be pink and not show signs of swelling. Teeth should be clean and free of tartar
Brush, Brush, Brush – Using pet-friendly toothpaste, brush your pet’s teeth gently as often as possible. Please never use human toothpastes for pets!
Chew On This – Chewing is not only pleasurable for dogs but also helps to keep his or her teeth healthy. Provide your dog with good quality chew toys made from soft nylon, rubber, or rawhide.
A Special Note For Cat Owners
It may seem like brushing a cat’s teeth is an impossible task, but don’t give up so easily!
- Most pet toothbrushes are too large for a cat’s mouth. Try an infant finger brush or piece of gauze instead.
- Brush the teeth in a circular motion, much in the same way you brush your own teeth.
- If you can’t seem to keep Whiskers still while brushing, wrap him or her in a towel or blanket. Hold your “kitty-burrito” close to your body as you brush.
Promotion Alert!
We are celebrating National Pet Dental Health Month a little early at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital by offering our clients $60 off pet dental services from January 15 – March 1. We provide professional dental cleanings, oral exams as well as other veterinary dental services. We are currently booking appointments for the month of March so give us a call and schedule an appointment for your pet today!