Pet Dental Care Starts At Home: A Guide For Pet Parents

Introduction 

As pet owners, we all want our quadrupeds to live long, healthy, and happy lives. That is what we are all about here at CB Pet Market. It is our experience that dental care is a crucial but often overlooked part of pet health. Just like humans, pets can suffer from painful dental issues.  

Plaque buildup, gum disease, bad breath or tooth loss, are the common dental problems affecting pets and humans alike. But poor dental hygiene does not just affect your pet’s mouth; unchecked, it leads to more severe health problems, including heart, kidney, and liver issues. Bacteria from untreated dental infections can enter the bloodstream, potentially causing systemic infections.  

The good news? It all starts at home. By taking even a few of the proactive steps outlined in this article, you can help prevent these issues and ensure your pet’s overall well-being.  

Home Dental Care 

Vets and pet health professionals agree that the key to maintaining your pet’s dental health is establishing a routine. Here are some tips, used alone or in combination, will boost our pet’s health: 

1. Brush Their Teeth Brushing your pet’s teeth is one of the most effective ways to prevent plaque buildup. Use a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. If you have not desensitized your pet to accepting your hand or fingers in their mouth, then start slowly, allowing your pet to get used to the process. Aim for daily brushing if possible. If tooth brushing is difficult use dental wipes, or dental sprays that do not require brushing.  

WARNING: NEVER USE HUMAN TOOTHPASTE ON YOUR PET.  HUMAN TOOTHPASTE CONTAINS INGREDIENTS TOXIC TO PETS

2. Fresh and Raw Beats Kibble or Can: We always advocate that pets should be fed a diet that is as fresh and species appropriate as possible. But even if it is not feasible to feed your pet a raw or freshly cooked diet, you can easily incorporate some tarter fighting fresh food in their diet. Think foods that are High Fiber and Protein and low in sugar:

Blueberries: Are an antioxidant rich super food, that can retard the formation of tarter. 

Carrots: Naturally abrasive and loaded with beta-carotene (also beneficial for eye health. 

Coconut Oil: Contains lauric acid, which breaks down and kills bacteria that causes plaque and tarter buildup. 

Celery: Freshens breath and acts as a natural toothbrush. 

Raw Meat: Contains enzymes that fight bacteria raw meat can promote chewing. The cartilage, ligaments and tendons in raw meat also act as natural dental floss. 

3. Give Body Part Chews and Rope Toys Dental chews are a terrific way to help reduce plaque and tartar while keeping your pet entertained. Chewing on meaty textures, whether from raw food or designed dental chews, helps scrape plaque off teeth naturally.  

Raw meaty and recreational bones: Recreational raw bones are a great addition to your dog or cat's dental care routine. Not only does chewing on the bone help to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, but it helps to stimulate enzymes in the mouth that further break down tartar and the meaty outsides make great floss 

Bully sticks and body parts: The act of chewing bones and body parts significantly reduces the number of bacteria on the teeth according to the (Rutgers Journal of Biological Sciences: https://jbs.camden.rutgers.edu/index/letters-general-microbiology-2014/effect-dental-products-and-natural-chews-canine-oral-bacteria-lindsay-gallagher/#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20antibacterial%20ingredients,1). ) 

Rope toys and rope tugs: Individual strands provide a flossing action when chewed. They can also be sprayed with dental spray or gel to enhance the dental benefits. 

4. Plenty of fresh drinking water: There is no substitute for fresh drinking water for overall pet health. But we are talking here about dental health!  Water not only hydrates our pets, but it is a natural way to rinse away food debris and tarter from their teeth and gums. Water helps dilute oral acids and stimulates saliva which also aids in cleaning.  Pro Tip: if it is difficult to brush your pet’s teeth. Dental water additives can be added to your pet’s water bowl to convenientlycombat plaque and tarter buildup.

When to Seek Veterinary Care for Dental Problems  

Finally, even with a solid at-home dental care routine, regular veterinary checkups are still an integral part of your pet’s care. Here are some of easy to identify signs of dental disease:  

If your pet is experiencing any of these issues, make a vet appointment.  

Conclusion 

Your pet’s dental health is an integral part of their overall well-being. Consistency is key—the more often you incorporate dental care into your pet’s daily routine, the quicker it will become a healthy habit. By taking simple steps at home, you can prevent many common dental problems and give your pet the happy, healthy life they deserve. Incorporating dental care tips now can save you and your pet from discomfort and costly treatments down the road.