Our pets' oral health is essential to preventing systemic problems down the road. Oral health is also an indicator of potential internal and systemic ailments. As a former OHSU dental student, I realized a long time ago that we cannot avoid taking care of our teeth and gums if we are to live comfortably for years to come. The same principle applies to our pets. Unfortunately, they cannot take care of their own teeth or we would probably have a bunch of pets much more concerned with what they eat and drink. The responsibility is on our shoulders. Below, I have listed a number of recommendations that will help keep your pet's teeth healthy and strong.
1) Brushing regularly (just as important for our pets as it is for us)
2) Raw bones (from pet store - need to be properly handled and stored); raw bones have intact enzymes that help with digestion as well as keep the oral cavity cleansed (my personal favorite is the Nature's Variety raw bison bones)
3) Mouthwash for dogs/cats (basically the same as over-the-counter human brands but designed specifically for dogs/cats to be placed in their drinking water)
4) High-quality pet food (low-grade pet foods often have simple carbohydrates that convert easily to sugar and change the pH of the oral environment. The drop in pH is the reason for many dental problems, so make sure your pet eats good treats and good food to minimize sugar in the diet)
5) Dental treats (although raw bones are the best dental treat, they are not always the most practical, so research and look for good dental treats to help reduce plaque buildup); some of the best dental treats include - dried sweet potato chews, breath-a-licious, Merrick breath biscuits & the newly reformulated greenies (old formulation caused serious problems so make sure you are getting the new formulation)
Even with the best pet dental hygiene, problems may arise. Visit your local veterinarian regularly for a dental checkup. The time and money saved long-term through good oral care and regular checkups is worth it.
Visit your local Nature's Pet for other great pet oral health ideas.
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