What’s the best dental care pet routine?
If you’re a longtime pet owner, you know that your pet needs a regular healthcare routine just like you. It’s the same with dental care. You must do your part to keep your pet’s teeth clean and healthy. When you follow a regular dental care routine, you help keep your pet’s mouth clean, pain-free, and beautiful.
You want your pet to have beautiful teeth but bacteria is often a bigger problem. When you don’t maintain a regular dental care routine, bacteria sometimes leads to conditions such as tartar, plaque, and periodontal disease. These conditions can cause inflammation and damage to your pet’s gums and supportive dental structures. Eventually, lack of care causes pain and may affect your pet’s internal organs.
Establishing a dental care pet routine for your cat or dog is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
1. Brush your pet’s teeth
Your dental care pet routine should include daily brushing. If you don’t have time every day, try to do it at least 5 times a week. You’ll find toothpaste at just about any pet supply store. You’ll also find breath freshening liquids and drops for your dog’s or cat’s bad breath. Before you buy them, check with your veterinarian to make sure these and other dental care products are necessary.
2. Take your pet for an annual dental checkup
Annual dental visits are an important part of your dental care pet routine. You should schedule a pet dental visit at least once a year. Find out if your pet’s healthcare provider practices veterinary dentistry. Then arrange an initial appointment and follow up at least once each year.
Your vet will examine your pet’s teeth, do an x-ray, and perform other necessary services. These may include:
- Cleaning
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Dental repairs
Your cat or dog will probably be just as stressed as you are about pain and discomfort during dental procedures. Vets often use anesthesia to ease any discomfort or pain, even during cleanings.
3. Pay attention to your pet’s dental health
Monitoring your pet’s dental health is another important facet of your dental care routine. Pay attention to your pet. He may require immediate care if any of these problems arise before your next appointment.
- Bad breath
- Extra teeth
- Broken teeth
- Refusal to eat
- Pain
- Irritability
- Bleeding or swelling
- Other mouth problems
If you notice any of these conditions, discuss them with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet may wish to see your pet to assess and treat their condition.
Contact Hebron Veterinary Hospital for your Dental Care Pet Routine
If you have questions about your dental care pet routine, visit our contact page give us a call at (860) 228-4324. We’ll schedule a dental appointment so we can help you keep your pet’s dental health on track.