Like any pet owner I struggle to prioritize my pets’ dental health, particularly as I am parent of three very opinionated older lady cats. In this article I will review recommendations for dental care in cats and dogs and provide some references.
Oral health is important not only for management of breath odor, it is also essential for maintaining teeth, mouth comfort and health throughout the body. There are three levels of oral care, the first and most important being tooth brushing. Using enzymatic pet toothpaste, gel or spray, this should be applied daily to remove plaque. Make sure to avoid people products, as pets may become ill from swallowing these products.
Next, we can use dental treats or chews as a reward for tooth cleaning. Lastly water additives for pets can be helpful as long as they do not mind the taste! The Veterinary Oral Health Committee (VOHC) provides guidelines for products to use (see VOHC.org).
What are the signs that there is a problem in your pet’s mouth? Bad breath can be a signal, as well as excessive drooling, pawing or rubbing at the mouth, facial swelling, and dropping food or treats. We recommend once or twice yearly physical exams to keep ahead of serious problems. A next step might be an exam under anesthesia or referral to a dental specialist.
