Dental care for pets

Dental care for dogs and cats is as important as it is for people. Pets are also prone to experiencing dental problems if their teeth are not given attention and taken care of by their owners.

Weltevreden Park Veterinary Clinic veterinarian Dr Vicki Reid said that it is important for pet owners to bring in their dogs and cats for a check up annually, in order to check the condition of their pet’s teeth.

“The main thing we recommend is to avoid feeding your dog wet food that tends to get stuck in the pet’s teeth. Feeding your dog dry food is a better alternative to prevent dental problems. Table foods are not balanced and tend to also stick to your pet’s teeth,” said Dr Reid.

Ontdekkers Animal Hospital veterinarian Dr Rochelle Ehrlish said there are different diseases and complications that can develop as a result of poor dental care. Pets can get infections and suffer from diseases such as heart and kidney disease.

She said some of the symptoms of poor dental include: a bad smell in the pet’s mouth, not wanting to eat, often licking their mouths and vomiting. “I recommend pet owners take their pets to a vet if they experience these symptoms in order for them to get treated as soon as possible,” explained Dr Ehrlish.

Both veterinarians recommend pet owners to brush their pet’s teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste made for pets. They also advise a pet’s teeth to be brushed three to four times a week on the inside and outside.

Dr Reid believes that it is ideal to start brushing a pet’s teeth when they are still young because they tend to be more comfortable with the process as they grow older. It is more challenging to clean older pet’s teeth as they may react aggressively.

“I also recommend pet owners to use their fingers first when cleaning their pet’s teeth, so they can get used to having fingers in their mouth,” concluded Ehrlish.