Brushing your pet's teeth

February is dental month so you will hear us talking about this health issue more than we normally do. And that is already a great deal! But, sometimes a message needs to be delivered many times in different ways in order for it to one day "click" and work.

As it is in the human healthcare field, oral health and hygiene is important for our pets too. Periodontal disease leads to tooth loss and affects most pets before they are 3 years old. Bacteria from periodontal disease can spread, affecting other organs and causing illness. This shortens the working lifespan of those organs. I haven't seen a dog or cat yet that can live with kidneys that do not function or a heart that has been traumatized so much that it refuses to heal. Oral disease leads to organ diseases and will shorten the life of your pet. However, it is so easy to prevent this from happening. In just a few short minutes a day (or even a few times a week if that is all you can do), you can help keep your pet's mouth healthy.

Ideally, brushing should begin at an early age. However, it is never too late to start. Before you start brushing your pet’s teeth, have them checked by your veterinarian. Make toothbrushing enjoyable for your pet by rewarding him or her immediately after each session. Be very patient when teaching your pet to accept toothbrushing. If your pet won’t tolerate toothbrushing, your veterinarian can recommend plaque-preventive products that will help. However, nothing is a effective as brushing and regular professional dental cleanings. 

To see a demonstration of how to brush your pet's teeth, watch our Home Dental Care video at:

http://www.newhartfordanimalhospital.com/videolibrary/