The Whole Pet
News and Tips from Beverly Animal Natural Health Center
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Happy February! Groundhog did see his shadow so we have 6 more weeks of winter in store. Bundle up and get outdoors and enjoy the winter! Don’t let winter pounds add up. Keep healthy with good exercise and good diet. Add fruits and veggies to your pet’s diet. Just remember no grapes, raisins or onions. Many dogs enjoy green beans, zucchini, salad as well as apples. Cats often find cantaloupe, asparagus or mushrooms delectable! Such fine taste. Here’s a picture of Tucker’s new side kick, Stuart. He is a new member of the BANHC family that joined us after being abandoned at the clinic and welcomed by Tucker! |  |
This is a designated time to educate about how important a healthy mouth is for a healthy pet! Our pets use their mouths to eat, drink, pick up things, offense, defense, grooming…such a multi-tasking tool! So very important to keep the teeth healthy and clean.
Just like in people, genetics has quite a bit to do with it. Some pets have great teeth, others are more prone to periodontal disease due to crowded teeth, frequent panting. Cats can be affected by gingivitis even at a young age.
One of the single best things you can do for your pet is to introduce home dental care at a young age. This helps get them accustomed to getting their mouth handled and it can become part of the routine.
Some of the best tips I find helpful:
- Use tasty veterinary toothpaste… chicken flavor is quite popular! You can use child or baby size toothbrushes but NOT human toothpaste.
- Pick a time of day that will conveniently become part of your pet's and your daily routine. For dogs, just before a walk and for both dogs and cats, before a daily treat can help your pet actually look forward to brushing time.
- Take a few days to let both of you get used to the process. Follow with praise and a walk or treat each time. Start by offering them a taste of the veterinary toothpaste. Use just a little pea size amount. The next time, let them taste the toothpaste, then run your finger along the gums of the upper teeth. Repeat the process with the toothbrush. Get the bristles of the brush along the gum line of the upper back teeth and angle slightly up, so the bristles get under the gum line. Work from back to front, making small circles along the gum lines. It should take you less than 30 seconds to brush your pet's teeth.
- Do not try to brush the entire mouth at first. If all that your pet lets you brush is the outside of the upper teeth, you are still addressing the most important area of periodontal disease prevention.
- YOU DO NOT NEED TO LOOK INSIDE THE MOUTH WHILE BRUSHING.
Here is a short video I recommend.
Even with the best tooth brushing, some dogs and cats may still need an occasional professional cleaning, just like humans. By brushing your pet's teeth daily, curtailing the amount of periodontal disease, you may reduce the frequency and involvement of dental cleanings and provide your pet with a healthier, sweeter smile.
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Special Memory of Nick Sardelli, one of our clients that passed away on February 8th, 2010. He had a great sense of humor and joy and will be missed. He was also the painter for the clinic and always helped make the office look so good. Thanks Nick.