Oral health isn’t necessarily one of the first things we think about when we talk about the health of dogs and cats, but it definitely should be. It’s estimated that over 80% of dogs and cats over the age of 3 have some type of oral health issue. Why is this number so high? Most likely because pet parents tend to focus more on other aspects of their pet’s health, such as their diet, arthritis, heart issues, diabetes, and any accidents or injuries that might occur. That’s not a bad thing, but more focus needs to be on our beloved pets’ shiny whites. Luckily, looking after the oral health of dogs and cats is fairly easy, and it only takes a few changes to keep their teeth in the best condition.
Continue reading to learn more about the oral health issues of dogs and cats, how to prevent dental disease and how to keep their teeth looking shiny and white.
Why Oral Health Matters for Dogs and Cats
As seen in humans, bad oral health can lead to further health problems, which is why oral health is so important to the overall well-being of our furry family members. Some of the most common dental diseases found in dogs and cats include:- Gingivitis: A mild form of gum disease, where inflammation, swelling and discomfort of the gingiva (the tissue around the base of your teeth) occur due to a buildup of plaque (a sticky buildup of bacteria on the teeth).
- Gingivitis doesn’t usually include the loss of any of the teeth’s supporting structures, and the damage can usually be reversed with the proper oral care.
- Periodontitis: A more serious and often irreversible bacterial infection that affects the gums. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss due to damage to the gums, soft tissues, and bones surrounding your teeth.
What Are the Symptoms of Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats?
The main symptoms to be on the lookout for include:Symptoms for dogs:
- Bad breath: Yes, dogs usually don’t have the nicest breath to begin with, but one of the most common signs of dental disease is very strong and bad breath.
- Build-up on teeth: Yellow or brow marks (tartar) that build up on your dog’s teeth.
- Sensitive gums: You notice your dog’s gums are red, bleeding and swollen.
- Excessive drooling: You notice that your dog is drooling much more than usual.
- Reluctance to chew: Your dog may be more reluctant to chew on their favourite toys or treats.
- Pawing or rubbing their mouth: Your dog paws or rubs at their mouth repeatedly.
Symptoms for cats:
- Bad breath: You notice persistent bad breath that is much worse and stronger than usual.
- Difficulty chewing: Your cat has trouble chewing on one side of their mouth in particular.
- Drooling: Your cat drools a lot more than usual.
- Dropping food from their mouth: You notice food dropping from your cat’s mouth when they are eating.
- Weight loss: You notice that your cat is losing weight.
- Pawing at their face: Your cat paws at their face as if in pain or discomfort.
- Avoiding eating: Your cat stays away from their food bowl and avoids eating.
Health Complications from Improper Dental Care
Bad oral health and dental diseases can lead to various serious health complications, including the following diseases:- Heart disease (endocarditis): Periodontal disease increases the risk of heart disease and other heart conditions in your pet. This is most likely because of the increased bacterial levels that plaque causes, which travel through the bloodstream and attach to the heart valves.
- Diabetes: Dental diseases can cause inflammation, which can spike blood glucose levels and increase insulin resistance.
- Liver and kidney damage: Since the liver and kidneys are part of the body’s filtration system, frequent exposure to elevated bacterial levels can cause the organs to work harder and result in liver or kidney disease.
- Weakened immune system: If plaque is left on your pet’s teeth, it can result in your pet’s immune system continuously fighting the inflammation that circulates in the blood, as a result of the bacteria. A weakened immune system can lead to chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
- Malnutrition: The longer your pet’s dental disease is untreated, the more pain it will cause them. This can lead to a dramatic drop in their diet and eating habits as they try to avoid eating due to their pain.
Taking Care of Your Pet’s Oral Health
Taking care of your pet’s oral health is a fairly simple thing to do and only adds a little bit of extra work to your daily routine. It is much cheaper and easier to prevent dental disease in your pet than to spend time and money taking them to the vet for treatment. Here are some of the best ways to prevent dental disease in your pet and to ensure their optimal health:Teeth Brushing
Yes, believe it or not, brushing teeth is just as effective for dogs and cats as it is for humans, but many pet parents still do not introduce their pets to the routine of brushing their teeth due to various reasons. Brushing teeth is the most effective way to eliminate plaque buildup and minimise the risk of dental diseases. Some handy tips to get your pet to enjoy their teeth being brushed include:- Selecting the right toothbrush: Choose a soft toothbrush. We recommend getting a specially designed toothbrush for dogs and cats from your vet clinic or a pet store. You can even use your finger for smaller pets.
- Select the right toothpaste: Pet toothpaste is usually flavoured with a beef or chicken flavour to make it more enjoyable for your pet. Pet toothpaste is safe if it is accidentally swallowed.
Introducing Your Pet to Teeth Brushing
Be patient when introducing your pet to teeth brushing, and if they continue to dislike it or struggle with it, don’t force them to continue. There are other ways to take care of their oral health. Here are some handy tips to brush your pet’s teeth:- Start slowly: Start off by brushing your pet’s teeth for 1 or 2 minutes and reward them with a treat.
- Get your pet used to the brush: Before using toothpaste, put water or beef stock on the toothbrush and let them get used to it.
- Let your pet try the toothpaste: Put some pet toothpaste on the toothbrush and let your pet taste it without brushing their teeth.
- Increase brushing over time: Once your pet is comfortable with the toothbrush and familiar with the toothpaste, start by brushing slowly (usually two strokes), then increase as your pet gets more comfortable. Start brushing at the front of your pet’s mouth.
- Avoid holding your pet’s mouth open: Don’t hold your pet’s mouth open, as your pet will not like that and you may get bitten.
Dental Diets
There are a number of dry pet foods that are targeted at oral health, including- Hills Prescription Diet T/D Dental Care Dry Dog/Cat Food
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dental Dry Dog/Cat Food
- Canagan Dental for Dogs
- ADVANCE Triple Action Dental Care Adult Chicken Cat Food
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DH (Dental Health) for Cats
Hills T/D
Relies on well-reseached kibble technology to reduce plaque and dental stains in both dogs and cats. It has the Veterinary Oral Health Centre (VOCH) seal of approval.Royal Canin
Usually consist of a larger kibble size than standard pet food. Their large size and texture helps to remove plaque. The addition of sodium triplyphosphate helps to control dental accumulations.Advance
Advance has a similar function to Royal Canin’s dental foods (larger, textured kibble and the addition of sodium tripolyphosphate.Dental Chew Treats
Dental chew treats help to reduce the build up of plaque by the mechanical action of chewing and as a bonus, pets love them! Some of the best dental chew treats for dogs and cats include:- Greenies Dental Chews: A very popular dental treat for dogs that has a chewy and flexible texture to aid in cleaning the gumline.
- Greenies Feline Dental Treats: Has a crunchy texture that helps to scrape away plaque.
- Bell & Bone Dental Sticks: Contains natural ingredients like seaweed, charcoal and mint to reduce plaque.
- Bell & Bone Cat Dental Bites: Contains superfoods, vitamins and minerals that help to scrub away the tartar.
- OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews: Creates a barrier that prevents oral bacteria.
- Kit Cat Breath Bites: A treat with a crunchy outside and a creamy centre that freshens a cat’s breath.
Chew Toys
Chew toys can aid in helping your dog and cat’s teeth stay clean. The durable rubber and textured nylon toys for dogs help to scrape away plaque, while the mesh material and catnip-infused toys help to floss a cat’s teeth.Water Additives
Water additives are considered a non-invasive and easy way to take care of your pet’s oral health. Most of them are odourless and tasteless meaning that your pet won’t even notice them when they are poured in the water bowl.Rinses
There are rinses available which can be rubbed directly on to your pet’s teeth or gums or sprinkled on food. These gels help to reduce plaque.Vet Care
The Australian Veterinary Association recommends that you take your pet to the vet for an annual oral health check up. If your dog or cat aren’t big fans of home oral health care treatments, or if you notice any symptoms of dental disease, that also calls for a professional check up. Your vet may put your pet under a general anesthetic, so they can carry out a full oral examination and a thorough clean. Oral x-rays will also be taken to more fully examine your pet’s teeth.Common Mistakes Made Pet Oral Health Care
Some of the common mistakes pet parents make when it comes to pet oral health care include:Using Human Toothpaste
Human toothpaste is not dog or cat friendly as it contains fluoride and xylitol which can be toxic to your pet. Always use a pet-friendly toothpaste.Assuming Bad Breath is Normal
Yes, dogs and cats don’t have the nicest breath to begin with, but if you notice an extra strong and persistent odour, it could be a sign that something is wrong with their oral health.Giving Up On Toothbrushing Too Quickly
It’s natural that your pet will not be a fan of toothbrushing in the beginning, which is why it’s so important to start off slowly and persist, even when they try and resist it.Ignoring the Back Teeth
If you only focus on brushing your pet’s front teeth, you can miss the plaque build up on the back teeth. Make sure you brush both the front and back teeth. At Potiki, we understand how precious your pets are. We also know that the unexpected can happen at any time, resulting in extremely high vet fees. These unforeseen circumstances are why it is best to be prepared with pet insurance. Potiki offer our customers flexible covers with excess and extras to give you and your family peace of mind. Visit our website to obtain a quick quote and explore our various coverage options.FAQs
Yes, pet insurance does typically cover dental and oral health, but it depends on the disease and oral health of your pet.
Pet insurance coverage is split into three different categories:
- Dental illness: For treatments of gingivitis, periodontal disease and teeth abscesses.
- Accidental damage: Covers any emergency dental treatments and procedures.
- Professional cleaning: If your pet needs a professional scaling or scale-and-polish.
At Potiki Pet Insurance, we offer flexible Silver, Gold and Platinium cover for dogs and cats with dental add-ons.
The main cause of dental disease, in both humans and animals is the build up of bacteriual plaque which can harden into tartar and cause the gums to become inflamed and teeth and jaw infections.
It is recommended that you should brush your pet’s teeth on a daily basis, but we understand it can be difficult, so even brushing their teeth a few times a week, makes a positive difference.
Small dog breeds and Persian cats are more prone to dental diseases, mostly because they’re teeth are more crowded.
Start as early as possible: when your dog or cat are just puppies or kittens so they get used to it when they are younger, but it is never too late to start a oral health routine for your furry family member.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.