Your pet’s smile matters too!
Your pet’s smile matters too!
Did you know 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by the age of three? Good oral care is just as important for dogs and cats as it is for the rest of your family. Every year in September we launch our Dental month to educate our customers on the right ways to take care of their pet’s dental health.
Teeth and gum issues cause pain and discomfort for your pet as well as puts them at risk of developing life-threatening health issues.
How do you know when your pet needs a dental clean?
Plaque is a sticky deposit of bacteria that forms on the teeth within a couple of hours after your pet’s meal. After 24 hours, plaque starts to harden by mixing with salts that are present in the saliva. As this plaque continues to pile up it eventually converts into tartar. Check your pet’s mouth regularly to see when he needs a dental clean and look for the below signs:
- Broken or loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Swollen, red or bleeding gums
- Refusal or inability to eat and drink
- Excessive drooling
- Facial swelling
- Pawing at the face
How can you keep your pet’s teeth clean?
- Set a routine. Start daily brushing to remove food particles from between your pet’s teeth.
- Keep your pet’s mouth clean in between brushes with the help of a pet-friendly oral hygiene solution or rinse.
- Avoid human toothpaste as it can have ingredients that can be fatal if consumed by your pet. Try an edible toothpaste made specifically for pets instead.
- Switch to dental treats that contain calcium and are a tasty way to help clean your pet’s teeth.
- Visit your vet for a professional dental cleaning to remove build-up of any tartar or bacteria.
Shop dental supplies, treats and toys to help keep your pet's smile healthy here.
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