Your Pet’s Oral Health

When was the last time you had your pet’s teeth checked? Just like humans, your pet’s oral health can affect its overall health. If you haven’t been taking care of their teeth and mouth, read on to see what you can do to maintain their dental health.

Food & Diet

Did you know your pets are susceptible to cavities too? Feeding them too many sugary treats can cause cavities which can lead to teeth extractions. It is important to make sure your pets are getting a balanced diet that won’t harm their teeth. The next time you purchase treats, look at the ingredient list to make sure you aren’t getting a bag of sugar or junk. If you aren’t sure what to feed your pets, just ask your vet!

Buying Pet-safe Toys

You might think that your dog’s favorite toy is safe but have you checked if it is approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)? Stay away from real or synthetic bones, antlers, and raw hides which can fracture teeth. Make sure to only purchase toys that won’t damage their teeth. You can find a list of safe toys by visiting VOHC’s website. 

Brushing Their Teeth

One of the best ways to care for your dog or cat’s oral health is to routinely brush their teeth. Just like us, they are not exempt from plaque build-up so cleaning those fangs will help remove them. Remember to only use toothpaste safe for pets.

Vet Visits

We know to schedule regular dental exams for ourselves but how about for our pets? Routine vet checkups are essential to ensure your pets are in good health. Your vet can provide yearly dental exams to check their gums and teeth and resolve any fractures or remove plaque build-up. They’ll do a cleaning and check for signs of oral cancer.

Pet Insurance

Purchase a pet insurance plan that best fits your pet’s needs. Like health or dental insurance, pet insurance can make vet visits and treatments more affordable. Some insurance can even cover yearly wellness checks and dental exams. Do your research since there are so many plans to choose from and settle on one that works best for you and your pet.

We treat our pets like family and we want them to live as long as possible so caring for their mouth and teeth is essential to their overall health. If you have questions about caring for their teeth, ask your vet! They are the experts on everything health-related to your pets!