Pets have teeth too
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Imagine how your teeth would look if you didn’t clean them everyday, or never visited the dentist.

The same is true for our pets. It is estimated that 85% of pets over three years old need some dental treatment.

Looking after their teeth is an important part of preventative health care, whether it is a cat or dog, rabbit or rodent.

Importance of dental care

Whether the teeth belong to animals or humans, if left unclean and unchecked, bacteria and plaque deposits build up on them

These deposits irritate the gums, causing pain and infection. Teeth may also decay causing additional pain and discomfort. At this stage, your pet will be off their food and may be losing weight. As gum disease progresses, teeth become loose and may fall out.

Rodents and rabbits have a special problem. Their teeth continue to grow throughout their life, making the correct choice of diet extremely important.

How do I know if my pet has gum problems?

One of the first visible signs of gum disease is reddening of the gums. If you are not in the habit of regularly checking your pet’s mouth, bad breath may be the first outward sign of a problem. The bad breath is caused by bacterial build up on the teeth.

How can I fight plaque build up?

One of the easiest ways to help reduce the build up of plaque and bacteria on your dog or cats teeth is by cleaning them regularly. Just as for your own teeth, daily cleaning by brushing is most effective, but even cleaning just once a week will make a huge difference.

As with all preventative health care, the sooner this is started in life the better. Puppies and kittens will quickly get used to having their teeth brushed. Even older pets will learn to accept teeth cleaning as part of their daily routine with a little patience.

It is never too late to start, and the best way of introducing cleaning is as part of a fun activity, whether it is playing or grooming.

What should I use?

Whereas you can use a human toothbrush for cleaning your pets’ teeth, it is not advisable to use toothpaste designed for human use. The frothing agents in our own toothpaste make them unsuitable for pets, who also tend not to like the strong mint tastes. Your vet will be able to recommend a suitable alternative. Remember; never be tempted to share your toothbrush with your pet!

Role of diet

Feeding cakes and other sweet foods make your pet overweight, and will also increase the build up of bacteria on your pets’ teeth. Feeding dry foods or a mixer biscuit will help fight bacterial build up, with the abrasive texture helping to remove plaque.

There are also specially designed chews and complete diets on the market, which help keep plaque at bay. Bones are not a suitable alternative because they can crack the teeth. Smaller brittle bones, such as chicken bones, can damage your pets’ digestive tract.

What else can I do?

Just like us, pets benefit from regular dental check ups, which are an integral part of your annual vaccination visit. These annual checks are even more important if you do not regularly brush your pets’ teeth. If gum disease is caught in the early stages, your vet can treat the condition effectively.

Rodents and rabbits

Small mammals like rabbits, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs and gerbils have long incisors (front, cutting teeth) that grow throughout their lives. These are used to gnaw their food. Providing fresh vegetables and woody material they can chew on will help to keep their teeth clean and sharp.

To keep their teeth growing straight and true, rabbits and rodents need a balanced diet containing sufficient calcium and minerals for bone growth. Dietary deficiencies can lead to misshapen, overgrown teeth, and an inability to eat. Ask the vet for advice on dietary requirements, as this can vary between species.