Tips for Home Pet Dental Care

Home Dental Tips from Our Durham Veterinarians

Pets' teeth require just as much care as ours do. Unfortunately, two-thirds of pet owners don't provide this crucial piece of pet home healthcare. If a pet's teeth are not cleaned regularly, the pet is at risk of developing periodontal disease which may lead to teeth becoming decayed or abscessed. Having sound teeth means your pet can chew food properly and get the nutrition they need to live a long and healthy life.

There are actions you can take at home that will work in conjunction with the Durham animal dentistry services available at our hospital. As soon as a puppy or kitten joins your family, begin familiarizing your pet with the routine of home pet dental care. Here are some steps we have compiled to help make the process easier for your and your pet.

Start by dipping a finger into beef bouillon or tuna water and gently rub it along your pet's teeth and gums. When your pet becomes accustomed to this, place a piece of gauze over your finger and rub the teeth and gums.

Once your pet is comfortable with the gauze, begin using a pet-specific toothbrush. Only use pet toothpaste as "human" toothpaste could not only upset your pet's stomach, but could make them very ill due to swallowing the fluoride. Make sure you brush the top, bottom, and outside of all teeth (the inner surfaces are hard to reach and rarely build much tartar).

Lastly, make sure to use dry pet food as it builds strong teeth and keeps them clean. We recommend that you provide tennis balls and rubber chew toys to help keep teeth and gums free of plaque, while avoiding hard chews like antlers or hooves that can damage teeth.

Quality Dental Care at Our Durham Animal Clinic

While you're taking care of your pet's teeth be sure to look for any discoloration, bleeding, or loose teeth. If you notice any problems, set up an appointment with us as soon as possible. Just like you, your pet's teeth also need to be examined by a professional on a regular basis. Our veterinarian provides animal dentistry services that include oral health examinations and dental cleanings. If plaque has built up, we can gently scrape away the plaque and polish the teeth. In severe cases, a decayed tooth may need to be extracted.

What would you like to know about pet dental care? Leave a comment below or visit New Hope Animal Hospital and discover what we can do for YOU and YOUR PET.