dental care for dogs and cats

As standards of pet care change in western society, dogs and cats are living longer than their wild and domestic predecessors ever did. As a result, they now develop problems that never posed a serious problem for animals whose average life span might be three years.

One of these problems is dental disease. Tooth decay is not only painful, but it can shorten your pet’s life. Inability to eat comfortably can cause unhealthy weight loss. More insidious, chronic dental infection, for pets as for people, places stress on the kidneys and can damage the heart.

Cats seem to have much more trouble with their teeth. This is probably at least in part due to their longer life expectancy compared to many dogs, and even more to their comparative lack of interest in chewing.

Dogs keep their teeth clean by chewing on things, throughout their lives. Rawhides and bones do help to keep the teeth clean—but unfortunately, real bones and rawhides alike are abrasive, and an 8-year-old dog who’s been chewing on bones or rawhides her whole life is likely to be a dog whose teeth have worn down to half their original size. This can result in dental damage that may even require extraction.

Another problem is that bones and rawhides are not hypoallergenic, a problem for the many dogs who have food allergies. In addition, both present some choking hazard, and bone fragments can be ingested to disastrous effect.

Yes, dogs evolved chewing on bones—but they also evolved with an average life span under five years, until rather recently.

Tennis ball addicts may also suffer dental deterioration, due to the abrasive properties of the fuzzy coverings.

Alternatives are probably not as helpful for teeth cleaning, but are less damaging to the teeth. For chewing and fetching pleasure, try hard rubber balls and toys. Kongs and rubber Chuckit balls are great for dog entertainment and maintenance of healthy jaws and teeth.

Most dogs enjoy crunchy treats like carrots- cheap, low-calorie, nonabrasive, and without a choking hazard.

For dogs and cats alike, pet owners who wish to reduce the impacts of dental disease later in the pet’s life can begin regular dental care early. Therapeutic dental chews are sold at vet offices and pet stores. Probably better, pet-specific enzymatic tooth pastes and toothbrushes are available in pet stores and online. Regular brushing of teeth and gums may become essential to your pet’s quality of life and longevity; begun early, your pet will more easily get used to it. Unless your pet has a severe gum disease problem, daily brushing is probably not necessary-- a couple of times a week will be very beneficial.