Are You Taking Care Of Your Pets Teeth?
by Annie Paquenos
http://www.fourpets.com
As in the case of their human counterparts, dental
care is critical in the animal world. Tooth decay does not
discriminate among species, and veterinarians - in recent
years -have encouraged pet owners to practice good dental
care with their pets. According to the American Veterinary
Dental Society, owners of domestic pets should adhere to
three basic essentials:
- Retain a veterinarian for the purpose of conducting a
dental exam
- Establish a dental care regime in your home
- Schedule routine dental exams with your pet's
veterinarian
When the time comes to update your pet's shots, discuss
the benefits of regular dental exams with the
veterinarian. He or she may be able to suggest some basic
adjustments that can be made in order to prevent the delay
of your pet's teeth.
Veterinarian Recommendations
Veterinarians will often advise a change in the quality of
the food that you serve to your pet. Since formulated - or
engineered - foods have proven effective in the war
against the build-up of plaque and tartar, pet owners
should look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council's Seal
of Acceptance on the label. The VOHC was initiated by
members of the American Veterinary Dental Society in an
effort to encourage consumers to purchase foods of a
higher quality for their pets.
Over time, tooth brushing should be integrated into your
pet's overall health regime. Excessive restraint of your
pet should be avoided while doing so, and tooth care
sessions should become a short, but positive, experience
by praising and reassuring your pet for the duration of
the process. Small animals, such as cats or dogs, may be
held in the owner's lap during oral treatment.
Regularly scheduled exams - Routine dental exams are an
essential part in assisting your veterinarian to gauge the
progress of your pet's dental health. Annual visits should
be scheduled and a commitment should be made to keep the
appointments.
A Few Dental Facts
Canines - By the time they reach the age of four weeks,
puppies typically possess 28 temporary teeth. By the end
of 16 weeks, 42 permanent teeth are apparent. Persistent
halitosis and/or a yellowish brown staining along the gum
line and teeth may indicate gum disease. Aggressive dogs
may present themselves for more frequent visits to the
veterinarian due to broken teeth, which can be the
by-product of excessive chewing on hard objects.
Felines - Kittens ranging from three to four weeks in age
possess 26 temporary teeth. At the 16 week point, they
present 30 permanent teeth. Symptoms of periodontal
disease in cats may be indicated by the presence of
yellowish brown tartar on the gums and teeth. Bad breath
and inflammation of the gums are also symptomatic of this
disease. Cats are often prone to the development of
agonizing cervical line lesions.
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, over
80% of dogs and 70% of cats present indications of oral
disease by the time they reach the age of three. The
combination of food particles and bacteria that collect
between the teeth can cause plaque, which then creates
tartar. Accumulations of pus may form along the gum line,
separating the teeth from the gum. Left untreated, plaque
and tartar build-up is responsible for causing periodontal
disease.
Tell Tale Signs
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Altered eating habits
- Change in chewing behavior
- Pawing at the muzzle
- Symptoms of Depression
Routine check-ups with your pet's veterinarian provide the
critical first steps in the prevention of oral disease. By
providing your pet with regular dental care, you'll be
returning the love that it offers to you on a routine
basis.
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