5 Tips for Improving Your Pet’s Dental Health

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Just like humans, pets require dental care also. Many pet owners fail to properly care for their pets teeth. Fortunately, there are many ways to get into the habit of proper dental care for your pets. If you are a pet owner, keep these tips in mind to ensure that your pet is left with a happy and healthy smile.

Regularly brush their teeth
One of the best ways to improve the condition of a humans smile is to keep up with daily brushings. The same idea is true for pets. Dental care for your dog requires regular brushings. Fortunately, there are pet toothbrushes and toothpaste designed to make this task easier. These dental products can be found at your local pet store. By 3 years of age, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have periodontal (dental) disease. The best way to reduce this is with regular brushings. Find toothpaste that your pet enjoys and remember never to use human toothpaste on a pet.

Take your pet in for regular dental cleanings
Just like humans, pets also require regular dental cleanings. An adult dog has 42 teeth and a cat has 30 teeth. Daily brushings can only clean some parts of the teeth and mouth and the other parts require a more in depth cleaning. This is a low risk procedure and can be completed in just a couple of hours. Your family vet likely offers dental care for dogs in the form of regular dental cleanings.

Provide your pets with dental chews
Dental chews can also be beneficial for pets. Dental chews that are made out of strong materials encourage chewing. The hard chewing motion removes a lot of the plaque from the pet?s teeth. Your pet doesn?t even know they are doing it, but are simply enjoying the taste of the dental chew. Many pet stores have flavored dental chews that encourage consistent chewing. It is important, however, to choose a dental chew that is of the appropriate size and durability for your pet. Avoid the possibility of chewing off too much and swallowing large parts of the dental chew.

Find affordable dental care for your dog
Although veterinarians explain the importance of brushing, 65% of pet owners do not brush their pet?s teeth. Some pet owners may find it difficult to afford regular dental care for your dog. However, brushing is generally low cost. You can also take your pet to cat clinics or dog clinics for low cost dental services. Dental care for your dog is important and going to a low cost pet clinic can be extremely useful. You will also find that many of these clinics offer spaying and neutering services, which are another important part of caring for your pet.

Schedule regular checkups
In addition to regular dental checkups, your pet requires regular health checkups. These checkups are a crucial part in evaluating your brushing and how well it is working. These visits may also be used to evaluate your pet?s diet and how it is working for them. Some pets may have negative reactions to products in foods or toothpastes. Visiting with your vet is the best way to diagnose and treat these types of problems.

Responsible pet ownership requires proper health care. This also means keeping up with dental practices and brushing your pet?s teeth regularly. Your pet will also require regular cleanings and things like dental chews and foods can help improve the condition of the teeth. If you find it difficult to afford the costs of dental care for your dog or cat, consider going to a low cost pet clinic.