FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL PET DENTAL HEALTH MONTH
It was established to bring awareness to pet owners about the grave importance of good dental health. some of the following information is from an article written by Dr. Joyce Voss, Director of Veterinary Services and Animal Care at SICSA Adoption and Wellness Center, and my own input.
As most of you may recall, I currently have two dogs. Zoey is an 8-year-old Maltese, approximately ten pounds, and Ebby's a twenty pound 7-year-old rescue mix of Chihuahua with possibly Lhasa Apso or Cocker. I just did another DNA test on her since the first one was wrong. I have never been one to brush my pet's teeth. I am just not that patient, and I disagree with some information that says once a week is generally sufficient. I also discount the value of you paying a groomer to brush your pet's teeth for you.
For one, you usually would not be present for the procedure so you don't know if and how well it was done, and two, if that is your once every two-month dental treatment, that would hardly manage the dental health of your pet. I rely on other methods which I will talk about later.
Dr. Voss states that once the baby teeth are gone (often swallowed) dogs have 42 adult teeth and cats have 30. The development and proper growth of the permanent teeth, including appropriate location and orientation of the teeth are important genetic and developmental factors that may affect later dental health. Zoey, for example has a very small mouth and some crooked teeth. Dr. Voss adds that small dogs and those that may have needed braces (like Zoey-who I got as a 9 month old) and dogs with shorter noses are more prone to dental problems. I have not chanced looking at Ebby's teeth as there are some things our fear-biter will not yet tolerate. But when I play with her, she opens her mouth, and her teeth look good with the preventative measures I am using. It is very important to get your pet used to your checking all of their teeth while they are still young. It is harder with rescues that have not been handled that way. So, you will need to have dental checkups.
The biggest concern with pets is the build up of plaque, a film that turns teeth yellow as the result of saliva, bacteria, and debris. The plaque eventually becomes tartar (brown) which, if not treated, leads to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontal disease. Less than half of pet owners brush their pets" teeth, and only about 10% brush daily. Don't rely on dry kibble or hard biscuits to clean the teeth for you. How many dogs or cats spend much time masticating their food (grinding, chewing, mashing?) How often has your cat thrown up whole pieces of kibble? Most pets gobble their food quickly, unless they are grazers, which in many cases, is because the food is not that appetizing. The best diet with kibble, is to add a variety of canned protein, or freeze-dried toppers, and as much COOL water as the dog can handle. Don't let the food soften. The act of drinking WHILE eating moves the food faster through the gut for better gut health. I use the example of how hard it would be for you to digest a beer pretzel without simultaneously drinking a beverage.
I do several things regarding dental care. I put dental additives in their water bowls each time I change the water. I use gel on the dog's teeth every morning as we awaken. Zoey allows me to work the gel to the back and along the gum line over all her teeth. (Ebby licks it off my finger because the only time she will allow my fingers in her mouth is during play.) Then they don't get anything to eat or drink for 30 minutes. And Zoey's teeth are still beautiful. They get dental chews at bedtime; I prefer Plaque Off over Greenies, and I also use Yummy Combs- more expensive but more effective. Sometimes N-Bones.
Various chew bones help as well. Especially frozen raw bones which we carry in a variety of sizes.
