Dental Care or your Dog
It is becoming increasingly recognized that animals need their teeth brushed too! It should not really be surprising that many dogs and cats need dental attention by the age of 8 years when you consider very few will be regularly having their teeth brushed. Unfortunately, unlike us, animals need a general anaesthetic every time their teeth need attention and any one animal may need several treatments over a lifetime if the owner is unable or unwilling to brush the teeth. A dental procedure for an older animal can be quite a costly procedure particularly if special anaesthetics and blood tests are requested, so prevention is better than cure! Any soft toothbrush can be used but enzyme based veterinary dog toothpaste is essential.
Other products available to help prevent dental disease include:
Dental diets – these have kibble designed to remove plaque when your pet bites into them and antioxidants to help reduce the progression of dental disease
Oral Hygiene or Dental Chews - Chewing is beneficial in helping to reduce dental disease. The mechanical action helps to reduce plaque and some have ingredients to reduce tartar build up. Look for the VOHC logo on the packet, which provides some reassurance the chew will benefit your dogOral Hygiene or Dental Chews - Chewing is beneficial in helping to reduce dental disease. The mechanical action helps to reduce plaque and some have ingredients to reduce tartar build up. Look for the VOHC logo on the packet, which provides some reassurance the chew will benefit your dog's teeth.
Drinking water additives – like Vet Aquadent containing Chlorohexidine for its anti-plaque effects and Xylitol to limit build-up of dental plaque and tartar
ProDen PlaqueOff Animal - a completely natural product. It is a special type of seaweed which has been found to have specific beneficial effects for oral care
Dental toys – the physical action of chewing will help reduce plaque
