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We’ve all heard the term ‘dog’s breath’. For some reason we’ve come to expect our furry friends to have bad breath – but the truth is if they do, there’s something wrong.
Halitosis is usually caused by bacterial by-products present in plaque, a soft material that builds up on teeth and gums, irritating gum tissue.
Tartar, a hard, calcified material, develops on top of teeth and provides a rough surface for more plaque to stick to. Untreated, the pet’s gums will become infected – this is gingivitis. Eventually, a painful condition called periodontitis sets in. By this time, all the structures around the teeth, including the bone, will be infected and teeth become loose.
Dogs and cats should have a dental check-up during their annual vaccination. Older pets will need a professional scale and polish under anaesthesia.
Root of the problem
Oral disease is the most common infection in our pets, with 80 per cent of dogs and almost as many cats having a degree of periodontal disease by the age of three. While bad breath may be the only sign noticed by pet owners initially, gums will turn red and bleed as the disease progresses. Pets’ eating habits will also change – usually they’ll develop a preference for softer foods as chewing becomes painful.
The effects of periodontal disease don’t stop at the mouth. Bacteria surrounding roots enters the bloodstream and harms other organs. Studies show dogs with severe periodontal disease have increased microscopic damage to kidneys, heart muscle and liver.
Prevent plaque
The key to managing gum disease is prevention. If teeth are cleaned frequently, plaque will not build up and gums will stay healthy. Oral health is maintained by daily hygiene, as with humans.
The gold standard of care is daily brushing. Diets and chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (www.vohc.org) will also help.
How to clean your pet’s teeth
This experience can be challenging for all! But if you can do it effectively, it will make a big difference. Here’s what I find works best:
Start by getting a soft cloth, then apply something your pet likes the taste of (Vegemite or anchovy paste, for example) and gently open its mouth, rubbing the cloth on the teeth. Don’t worry about trying to clean them the first time – just getting the pet used to you opening its mouth is the aim of the step. Reward your pet with a treat.
Over a two-week period, use the cloth to work your way around the outside of the teeth at the front and back. Give a little treat and a big cuddle as a reward for cooperation.
Once your pet has accepted the cloth, you can change to a soft child’s toothbrush. You can also use a pet toothpaste product – never use human toothpaste as pets hate the taste, and it’s too high in foaming agents and fluoride for them. Pet toothpaste comes in a wide range of flavours including malt, chicken, beef and prawn.
We’ve all heard the term ‘dog’s breath’. For some reason we’ve come to expect our furry friends to have bad breath – but the truth is if they do, there’s something wrong.
Halitosis is usually caused by bacterial by-products present in plaque, a soft material that builds up on teeth and gums, irritating gum tissue.
Tartar, a hard, calcified material, develops on top of teeth and provides a rough surface for more plaque to stick to. Untreated, the pet’s gums will become infected – this is gingivitis. Eventually, a painful condition called periodontitis sets in. By this time, all the structures around the teeth, including the bone, will be infected and teeth become loose.
Dogs and cats should have a dental check-up during their annual vaccination. Older pets will need a professional scale and polish under anaesthesia.
Root of the problem
Oral disease is the most common infection in our pets, with 80 per cent of dogs and almost as many cats having a degree of periodontal disease by the age of three. While bad breath may be the only sign noticed by pet owners initially, gums will turn red and bleed as the disease progresses. Pets’ eating habits will also change – usually they’ll develop a preference for softer foods as chewing becomes painful.
The effects of periodontal disease don’t stop at the mouth. Bacteria surrounding roots enters the bloodstream and harms other organs. Studies show dogs with severe periodontal disease have increased microscopic damage to kidneys, heart muscle and liver.
Prevent plaque
The key to managing gum disease is prevention. If teeth are cleaned frequently, plaque will not build up and gums will stay healthy. Oral health is maintained by daily hygiene, as with humans.
The gold standard of care is daily brushing. Diets and chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (www.vohc.org) will also help.
How to clean your pet’s teeth
This experience can be challenging for all! But if you can do it effectively, it will make a big difference. Here’s what I find works best:
Start by getting a soft cloth, then apply something your pet likes the taste of (Vegemite or anchovy paste, for example) and gently open its mouth, rubbing the cloth on the teeth. Don’t worry about trying to clean them the first time – just getting the pet used to you opening its mouth is the aim of the step. Reward your pet with a treat.
Over a two-week period, use the cloth to work your way around the outside of the teeth at the front and back. Give a little treat and a big cuddle as a reward for cooperation.
Once your pet has accepted the cloth, you can change to a soft child’s toothbrush. You can also use a pet toothpaste product – never use human toothpaste as pets hate the taste, and it’s too high in foaming agents and fluoride for them. Pet toothpaste comes in a wide range of flavours including malt, chicken, beef and prawn.
