February is Pet Dental Health Month, a time to talk about the
unfortunately widespread dental issues in our cats and dogs.Did
you know that pets should get their teeth brushed at least once a
week, and ideally every day, to help protect against the serious
issues that can result from dental disease?
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How to Get Started
Protect your pets' health by learning to
brush your cat's or your dog's teeth
, and make sure to visit your vet for yearly checkups.
Dental Diets for the Oral Health of Your Pet
Most pet owners have packed daily schedules and that makes it
difficult for them to brush the teeth of their pets. Others have
pets that are sweethearts except when it is time for them to get
their teeth brushed. If you fit in to either of these two
categories, or if your dog has problems with bad breath and
tartar buildup, your vet might suggest a
specially formulated dental
diet
.Plaque is a natural part of the bacterial balance in the mouth.
It is colorless, soft and can be easily removed with the help of
a firm brush. However, it can harden the teeth if it is not
removed regularly. When it becomes tartar, it can attach itself
to the surface of the teeth and can irritate the gums, leading to
eventual tissue loss. Once plaque turns into tartar, it can only
be removed with the help of dental instruments. Dental diets are
designed to reduce plaque accumulation on the teeth.
What should you look
for?
Look for the seal of approval from the Veterinary Oral Health
Council. That ensures that the product meets all the required
standards. These foods need to be balanced and should have the
same nutrient content as standard pet food. They also contain
additional formulations to help clean the teeth of pets.Most
treat products and hard kibble that are manufactured for dental
diets are large in size and have a fibrous and airy texture so
that the kibble’s edges scrub at the surface of the teeth when
the animal chews on it. Some of the food items also have
additional coatings that are meant to reduce the dental plaque.
Is a dental diet the way to
go?
Since dental diets have a good nutritional balance, most pets can
have it as a part of their daily diet. However, you need to keep
in mind that not all their needs can be met with a dental diet
plan. They should never be made the main nutritional source for
dogs or puppies with special medical or nutritional needs. At
best, they should only be used to supplement an already
well
balanced diet
.
What do you need to do before
you switch?
You should consult with your pet’s vet before zeroing in on a
dental diet. Dental diets are not always an effective alternative
to brushing. A lot of factors can complicate it, including
underlying health issues, your pet’s age and the current status
of his gums and teeth.Before you initiate a dental diet, your vet
might even suggest a professional teeth cleaning among other
procedures. If you are planning to switch to a dental diet,
abstain from feeding extra treats or table scraps to your pet, as
that will defeat the purpose. In the long run, it will benefit
both of you.
