Dog and Cat Oral and Dental Health

Most people are diligent about their own dental health and see that their kids brush their teeth and visit the dentist regularly. Are you as proactive with your pet's oral health?

Dogs and cats can experience many of the same dental issues that humans can. While they may not get cavities, they can suffer from plaque buildup, gingivitis and periodontal disease or have misaligned or extra teeth that interfere with eating and/or cause pain.

Maintaining your pet's oral health isn't difficult or time consuming, but it's just as important as proper nutrition and exercise. Start when your dog or cat is young or when you first bring them into your home and get them accustomed to having their teeth checked and it will be less of a chore later.

When checking your dog's mouth, do it at a time when he's relaxed and comfortable, not when he's excited to see you when you get home from work. Make it a part of his routine grooming schedule; after a nice brushing and a belly rub, he'll likely be more amenable to having his mouth played with.

Start by pulling up the lips and looking at the teeth for any signs of plaque buildup, sores or anything else that looks out of the ordinary - such as broken teeth - and make sure to bring them to your veterinarian's attention. I had a German Shepherd Dog many years ago that would catch anything you'd throw, and when I'd toss rocks from the lawn before mowing, he'd jump and grab them in the air. Silly dog broke several teeth, but it didn't stop him.

Once you've done a visual check of your dog's mouth, wipe down the inner and outer tooth area with a damp washcloth, or use a toothbrush specifically for brushing dogs' teeth. You can even find peanut butter flavored toothpaste to make it a special treat for the dog that may be more of a challenge.

Cats may be a little trickier as they do things only when they want to, but be diligent. Hold kitty firmly under one arm, and use the other hand to gently lift the lips on both sides for a quick check. If everything looks ok, it should only take a few seconds to wipe down kitty's teeth with damp cloth.

If your pets eat dry, crunchy food and your dog has chew bones available, they may not need much human assistance in maintaining proper oral care. Checking your pets' mouth and teeth regularly is another simple step towards keeping them healthy and happy.