If you own a dog or a cat, you may have questions about their dental care. For instance, should you be the one brushing their teeth or should you leave that job to your veterinarian?
The oral hygiene of your pet is crucial to maintain. Here’s everything you need to know about pet dental care.
Q: Do I have to brush my pet’s teeth myself?
A: You don’t necessarily have to brush your pet’s teeth yourself if you’re diligent about bringing them to the vet, but it helps. Sometimes, between routine teeth cleanings, your pet could develop yellowed teeth, tartar, or even show early signs of cavities. By brushing their teeth yourself, you keep these problems at bay.
Q: What should I use to brush my pet’s teeth?
A: If you have a spare toothbrush set aside just for your pet, you may want to reconsider. Dogs and cats should not have their teeth brushed with adult-sized toothbrushes. Your pets have much smaller teeth, so it’s awkward to fit anything except a child-sized toothbrush into their mouths.
Not only that, but the bristles on an adult-sized toothbrush may feel abrasive and irritating to a dog or cat. Instead, buy a toothbrush made just for brushing your pet’s teeth.
Q: How often should I brush their teeth?
A: It varies from pet to pet. Dogs may be able to go years without teeth cleanings, but not all of them can. Ask your vet if you have any questions about the frequency of your pet’s teeth cleanings.
Q: Whenever I try to go in my pet’s mouth to brush their teeth, it goes badly. I get bitten or nipped at. Should I just give up?
A: No, you shouldn’t give up. Try a smaller toothbrush as mentioned above. If problems persist, bring your pet to your veterinarian.
Q: Can animals get cavities?
A: Yes, animals can absolutely get cavities. That said, it doesn’t happen often.
Q: What if I see a cavity or plaque?
A: Your pet may be more aggressive because of the pain, so bring them into a professional.
Q: My dog or cat’s teeth fell out! Now what?
A: Don’t panic. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Dogs and cats have baby teeth just like we do, so it’s okay if those come out. Your dog or cat may keep their retained baby teeth into adulthood, so tooth loss is rarely serious unless it happens regularly.
Q: Which oral diseases do I have to look out for in my pets?
A: There are several oral diseases that can affect pets. These include cavities, excessive tooth loss, abscesses, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.
Call Your Ocoee Veterinarian Today!
Are you looking for an Ocoee veterinarian for dental care for your pet? You’ve come to the right place. At Winter Garden Animal Hospital, we offer vet care to those in Monteverde and Apopka as well.
With our dental treatment and service for dogs and cats, your pet’s oral health will be better than ever. Our other services include vaccinations, pet boarding, laser surgery, pet surgery, vaccinations, parasite control, and spaying and neutering.
To learn more about any of our services or to contact our vet today, please contact (407) 656-4132 or visit us at Winter Garden Animal Hospital on 13092 West Colonial Drive.