62 % never clean their pets’ teeth. Do you?
February is Pet Dental Health Month – Top Tips
February is Pet Dental Health Month. When was the last time you brushed your pets’ teeth? If your answer is never…you are not alone.
A survey* of over 400 pet patents, conducted by Irish pet care specialist Petmania, found that 62 per cent never clean their pets’ teeth at home. Dogs and Cats explore the world with their mouth so caring for their teeth is extremely important. Dogs have 42 teeth, cats have 30 whilst humans have 32.
Vet Carol Doyle, ambassador for pet health programme Petmania’s Operation TransPAWmation, explains,
“It is essential to take preventative measures in dental health to reduce the risk of plaque and tartar build-up which can develop into painful gingivitis, periodontal disease, bad breath, teeth loss or bacterial infection that could potentially affect the animal’s heart if untreated. I advise pet owners to closely monitor their pets’ teeth and gums to ensure they look clean and healthy.”
How to check a dog’s teeth:
To examine dogs’ teeth and gums properly, lift their lips to see where the teeth meet the gum line. Then slide your finger backwards to get a good view of as much of the back teeth as possible. Make sure your dog is as relaxed as possible during the examination to ensure their cooperation.
[Vet Carol Doyle demonstrates here: https://youtu.be/mVlVje_Fva0 ]
Signs of good oral health include:
- Clean teeth
- Healthy pink gums
- No bad breath
Signs of poor oral health include:
- Bad doggy breath.
- Red gums: Two-thirds of a dog’s tooth are under the gum line, which means the dental disease can live where you can’t see it.
- Discoloured yellow or brown teeth.
- Excessive drool or signs of discomfort
- Difficulty chewing or starting to drop some of their food around their bowl.
How to maintain good oral health:
Carol commented,
“Maintaining good oral health can be done by feeding pets dry food, brushing their teeth with a toothbrush and a good dental care regime. It is important to schedule regular visits with a grooming studio or vet to keep them smiling brightly.”
Vet Carol Doyle is an expert contributor to Petmania’s Operation TransPAWmation, the pet store’s sixth annual health and wellbeing programme. It aims to prevent obesity in cats and dogs and highlight everyday steps to healthier pets. Carol shares her expertise via Petmania’s social media, online video and a free webinar throughout Operation TransPAWmation.
The programme runs online and in-stores throughout February and March with weekly updates, a food diary, exercise and diet tips, fun activities, expert tutorials, plus exciting weekly health challenges for furry friends to complete. Participants will get exclusive access to a special webinar presented by Operation TransPAWmation’s panel of experts featuring Vet Carol Doyle.
Pet owners can follow the eight-week healthy lifestyle plan, for free, by registering on www.petmania.ie
