Dental disease is a common and painful health issue affecting our four-legged friends. This National Pet Dental Health Month, we’re sharing expert advice and top recommendations from our Pet Store to help keep their smiles healthy.
Most common dental problems that affect cats and dogs start with plaque and tartar build-up. Plaque is a build-up of saliva (spit), food, and bacteria, which collects on teeth and eventually turns into a hard, brown substance called tartar. Tartar damages the teeth, causes painful, inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, tooth loss, and is full of bacteria that can enter the bloodstream and cause problems in the kidneys, heart, and liver.
Brushing away plaque before it turns into solid tartar is the best way to prevent dental disease. Read on for our top recommendations.
Cats & Dogs
Brushing is best!
We brush our teeth twice a day, but what about our pets who can’t? There is no better way to look after your cat or dog’s teeth than brushing. Using a pet-safe enzymatic toothpaste and pet-safe toothbrush – brush your pet’s teeth every day to remove plaque before it turns into tartar. Never use human toothpaste as it can be toxic.
It’s a good idea to start brushing your cat or dog’s teeth when they’re young so they get used to it as part of their routine. But many older pets can get used to their teeth being brushed – just take things slowly and try to make the experience as positive as possible.
There are two main types of pet-safe toothbrushes available with different benefits to consider. Finger brushes like the MDC Finger Toothbrush are generally easier to use and can be more comfortable for pets with sensitive mouths but longer ones like the Petosan Double-Headed Toothbrush are thought to give a more comprehensive clean due to their ability to reach further back in your pet’s mouth.
As for toothpaste, the Plaqtiv+ Toothpaste has received approval from the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for it’s ability to reduce tartar in pets. Pet toothpaste is usually flavoured so they might even enjoy it!
Some pets really won’t tolerate their teeth being brushed, (no matter how hard you try!) and although brushing is best, there are other ways to look after their dental hygiene. These can be used alongside brushing, or while you’re working with your pet to get them used to having their teeth brushed.
Dental chews and treats
You can encourage your dog to chew on dental chews that help clean the teeth and gums. Always supervise your dog with any chew – if you notice any bleeding from the gums during use, remove the chew and speak with your vet. And remember that extra chews or treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your pet’s daily food allowance, and their food should be reduced to avoid weight gain. We have a few options on the Pet Store but the VeggieDent® FR3SH™ chews are low-calorie and VOHC approved.
For cats and dogs, you can buy dental treats designed to help keep their teeth clean. These are fine as an occasional treat, but you shouldn’t rely on them alone for your pet’s dental health.
Dental toys for dogs
Similarly, specifically designed dental toys can help to clean the surface of the teeth. However, your pet should always be monitored with these toys as pieces could be chewed off and swallowed – causing a blockage – or pets can break their teeth on them if they’re a strong chewer! Check out this Kong Dental Squeezz toy – it flexes whilst your dog chews for a deeper clean using the textured nubs.
Diet
Feeding dry biscuits as part of your cat or dog’s diet is thought to be slightly better than feeding wet food only because they can physically remove some of the plaque from the teeth when chewed.
There are some specially formulated dental diets available including Royal Canin Dental Dry Food for small dogs, medium/large dogs, and for cats. This diet is VOHC approved and helps to reduce the formation and build-up of tartar whilst freshening breath and being nutritionally balanced. However, the benefits only really apply if your pet chews and doesn’t swallow the biscuits whole!
Some dental diets aren’t suitable for pets with certain health conditions so please speak with your vet first before purchasing. And remember to change over your pet’s food slowly over a couple of weeks to avoid tummy upsets.
Mouthwash, dental gels, and food supplements
Pet-safe mouthwash, like Plaqtiv+ Oral Care Water Additive, can be added to your pet’s drinking water to help keep their mouth clean. Never use human mouthwash for your pets.
Similarly, ProDen Plaque Off Powder can be added to your pet’s food, and is a VOHC approved natural supplement with clinical trials showing a significant reduction in plaque and tartar, whilst also improving bad breath.
Dental gels, like the Maxi Guard Oral Cleansing Gel, contain enzymes and mild abrasives that can help to prevent the build-up of plaque. It can be applied by rubbing it on to the teeth and gums or encouraging your pet to lick it off your finger/their own paw.
Rabbits
Food for thought
Dental problems are common in pet rabbits and are usually caused by a diet that is too low in fibre, so the best way to keep your rabbit’s teeth healthy is by feeding them a well-balanced high-fibre diet. It’s also important to regularly check your rabbit’s teeth at home and have them examined by your vet a few times a year.
Rabbit’s teeth grow constantly, so they need to spend a lot of time nibbling and chewing to wear them down. Good quality feeding hay is really important for this – around 85% of a rabbit’s diet should be hay! You can also provide safe chew toys and untreated branches to chew on.
If you have any concerns or questions about your pet’s dental health, please speak with your vet. You can also visit the PDSA Pet Health Hub for videos, advice, and tips on how to look after your pet’s teeth.
