Tips to ensure a healthy mouth ... while animals

Stacy Lynn Fernandes

February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so it's a good time to "brush" in our knowledge of the health of the teeth!
When was the last time you checked your pet's teeth? Or have you noticed that your dog or cat has bad breath? This may be a sign of dental problems in your pet.

One study showed that dental problems are the most common health problem among dog owners in Canada and relates to 36 percent, and the figure is 46 percent among small breeds.

Why the most common problems in small breeds dental health?
It seems that small and toy breeds have a higher risk compared to large breeds due to the size of your mouth and your teeth overcrowding.
How to tell if your pet is suffering from dental problems?

Here are some signs of the College of Veterinary Medicine, American Dental monitor your pet:
• Bad breath;
• or discolored teeth or teeth with loose scales covered;
• animals, touching the mouth area avoids;
• Drooling or dropping food from the mouth;
• bleeding from the mouth;
• Loss of appetite or weight loss.

So how can you keep the dental health of your pet? Here are some tips to consider:
Daily brush - You can use a toothbrush or finger toothbrush for pets to use and gently rub your pet's teeth with toothpaste for pets. Do not use human toothpaste on your dog or cat, the fluoride can be harmful for them. It may take some time for your pet to get used to, but remember to be patient and take your time.

EFP checks and dental cleaning - It regularly go out for a dental checkup for your dog or cat. Veterinary dental cleaning should be performed every 12-18 months for the pet with healthy gums and frequently every six to twelve months for a pet more chronic dental problems. The biggest mistake of my family did was not a veteran of the cleaning early for our dog for regular cleaning, the lesson learned!

Dental care - Feeding your dog or cat a dental plan for improving your oral health. Find the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) attached with a dental plan for your pet.

Find out what dental insurance, the plaque and tartar reducing your help dog or cat.
Supplying a dental - dental treats can our pets to an improvement in dental health. Find out what dental treatment, helps reduce tartar and keep your dog's teeth.

Keep smiling and remember to take care of their animal teeth.

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Stacy Lynn Fernandes, MSc, is the nutrition communications manager for Nestle Purina Canada. Fernandes is a member of the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Purina and worked for more than five years. It has a friendly triton named Newton.

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