Essential Facts To Protect Your Pets Oral Health

Were you aware that dogs have 42 permanent teeth and cats have 30? Yes! And all these teeth require proper care. If you have been thinking lately that your cat’s bad breath is preventing you two from snuggling or if you feel like putting in a fresh mint in your pooch’s mouth then there is a problem here: a dental problem. Bad breath is one of the first signs indicating that your pet's oral health is going in a downward spiral. There are a few facts that you must know about, so that you can take care of the oral health of your pet. Hence, whether it's snuggling or swamping your face with free licks - it does not get interrupted.

What really is dental disease?

An extremely painful condition that occurs when there is a buildup of plaque, bacteria, and tartar on the teeth. It then gets trapped below the gumline. The condition of having a dental problem can become extremely serious if not treated at the right time as the bacteria buildup on the teeth can get absorbed in the bloodstream and then impact other organs of the body, leading to organ failure. Therefore it is crucial to keep a check on your pet’s oral health on a regular basis. Mentioned below are a few important facts that will help you know and understand dental care for dogs better:

• Ensure that you brush your pet’s teeth every day: Most dogs and cats develop a dental problem by the time they turn three years of age. Some of the early signs indicating a dental disease include bad breath, swollen gums that are red in color and yellow tartar build up on the teeth. If you brush your pet’s teeth everyday you can avoid these troubles.

• Take your pet for regular dental check ups to the vet: Often due to lack of knowledge or neglect, dental diseases are discovered very late in pets and unfortunately by that time years of bacteria, tartar and plaque cause infection and inflammation. Due to all this, your pets experience a lot of pain. If you notice your pet being irritable or lethargic or even a decreased appetite, then you must get their teeth checked once too. You may take your pet to the vet and get a thorough check up done.
• You must follow a proper home care routine: Dental care for dogs includes taking care of oral health at home as well. You cannot rely on trips to the vet alone, you must make brushing your pet’s teeth a regular feature at your home. This way you will ensure that there is no tartar buildup on the teeth. There are several kinds of toothpaste available for dogs that come in different flavours. Accumulation of plaque and tartar can be reduced by giving your pet a special dental diet. You must invest in toys and treats that help in improving dental health.
• Removing plaque from the teeth beneath the gum line is important: If you want healthy dog teeth then you must get your pet’s teeth cleaned. In dog teeth cleaning, removing the plaque that collects under the gum line is very important. Bacteria thrive under the gum line and cause infections deep in the root. This infection from the root can get absorbed in the bloodstream and affect other vital organs such as liver and Kidneys.

These are a few facts to be kept in mind if you want to take care of your pet’s oral health. Feel free to drop by the Zigly experience centre and get your pet examined by our expert vets. There are also several dental dog treats and toys available at our online pet store Zigly that you can buy to keep your pet healthy and happy!