When it comes to pet wellness, brushing your dog or cat’s teeth probably isn’t one of the first things you think of. However, dental care is a key part of your pet’s overall health. Here are some important steps every pet owner should take when caring for their pets’ teeth.

Top 3 Pet Dental Care Tips

1. Know Signs of Dental Problems

Pets can experience broken teeth, abscesses, cysts, palate defects, periodontal disease, and other conditions that can cause pain and affect behavior. Untreated periodontal disease can even contribute to heart and kidney problems. 

Routinely observing your pet can alert you to dental health issues. Common symptoms include bad breath, abnormal chewing or drooling, reduced appetite (including dropping food), and bleeding, swelling, or pain around the mouth.

2. Schedule Yearly Cleanings

A yearly cleaning from a pet dentist is an important step for preventing cavities and periodontal disease. To make the procedure safer, veterinarians will typically use anesthesia. Then, they will remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth with specialized dental tools. 

This is followed by polishing any scratches in the tooth enamel and applying a fluoride treatment—all very similar to your own dental checkups. X-rays will also be performed to check for cavities, cracks, or other issues.

3. At-Home Care Options

You can promote pet wellness between dental checkups with a variety of activities. Just like humans, it’s a good idea to brush your pets’ teeth to remove plaque and tartar—and yes, there is event pet-specific toothpaste available. 

Focus on brushing the front teeth the first few times, then move on to brushing all the teeth as your pet gets more comfortable with the process. Dental chew toys and foam oral products are also available to kill bacteria and remove plaque.
 

For the months of May and June, Pet Health Clinic in Daleville, VA, is offering $30 off dental cleanings for cats and dogs. Providing compassionate and personalized care to your furry friends, their veterinarians will help pets feel comfortable while staying healthy. To learn more about their pet wellness services or schedule an appointment, visit them online or call (540) 992-4550.