By Pet Shed Veterinarian Dr Sally Gardiner BVSc MACVSc
Dental disease is extremely common in our canine and feline
companions. It is estimated that over 80% of pets over the age of
three have gum disease. Dogs tend to be affected earlier in life
than cats.
For most pets, chewing is the best way to slow the build-up of
tartar. A diet of cat or dog biscuits will help to encourage
chewing. There are some special diets designed to clean teeth, such
as Hills t/d. The fibers of these biscuits are specially aligned so
that the biscuit acts like a toothbrush and scrubs the surface of
the tooth when the pet bites into it. Your vet can tell you whether
these diets are appropriate for your pet.
A diet made up of soft food usually needs to be supplemented for
good dental health. Some folks opt for bones, but many vets are now
steering clients away from them. Cooked bones can very quickly cause
a blockage in the intestines. Raw bones can splinter and perforate
the gut, or in rare cases, cause food poisoning if contaminated by
bacteria. The bone marrow is primarily composed of fat, so can
result in pancreatitis in susceptible dogs. Discuss the pros and
cons with your own vet and make up your own mind on this topic.
Chewy treats
Popular products to help your dog clean their teeth:
Rawhide treats for dogs
Squeaky vinyl chew toys
Chewy rubber dog toys
Chewy rope dog toys
Striped elephant cotton play toy
There are other tasty options for dental care: products such as
rawhide chews and Greenies have become popular with many people. The
rawhide chews provide a tough surface which cleans the teeth as the
dog bites into it. Greenies are a crunchy treat which contains
chlorophyll, the pigment which imparts the green color to plants, as
well as other teeth-cleaning ingredients. They are high in protein
and low in calories and very palatable, so most animals will accept
them as a treat. Both Greenies and Rawhide chews are available in
different sizes.
And when all else fails, there is always tooth brushing. Yes, you
can actually brush a pet's teeth. It is best to train them for this
when they are young so they are used to it. It does carry the risk
of having a finger chomped on, however. Special pet toothbrushes,
which consist of a brush on a thimble-like device, which slips over
the finger, allow the brush to reach into the mouth and all those
hard to reach areas. Some people prefer the safety of a soft baby
toothbrush with a slightly longer handle.
Whilst everyday is ideal, twice-a-week brushings are usually
adequate. If you wish to use a toothpaste, ensure that you use a
specific pet toothpaste, as the human products are not formulated
for use in pets.
References
1. Tilley L.P., Smith, F.W.K. The Five Minute Veterinary Consult
Canine and Feline. Second Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins,
Baltimore, 2000.
2. Hills Pet Nutrition. Canine t/d. www.hillspet.com
3. Greenies information. www.greenies.com.au
