February is Pet Dental Health Month

Lack of dental care can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis, which is extremely painful to pets. We suggest following a home routine of daily cleaning with the many dental products on the market for pets today. Additionally, you should have your pet’s teeth examined by your Veterinarian once a year to see if professional cleaning is warranted.

In rabbits, rats, mice, hamsters and gerbils, the incisors grow continuously but the back teeth do not grow past eruption. In guinea pigs & chinchillas, all the teeth grow continuously. Their teeth are designed for chewing and they may not wear down appropriately if their diets do not include enough fibrous foods. Irregular wear and malocclusion, which is the uneven alignment of upper and lower teeth, are common dental problems among rodents and rabbits.

Uneven wear and broken teeth (oftentimes caused by chewing on bones & antler chews) can cut a pet’s cheeks, gums and tongue. Inflamed or red gums are signs of trouble. Foul breath can signal an infection.

Your home routine should include brushing your pets teeth daily. Start slow and progress to more and more area as the pet tolerates the process. Focus on outsides – uppers & lowers. Insides generally clean themselves. Provide chew toys that help clean as the pet chews on it (rope toys are good choices, as are loofa and crocheted toys). Research some of the dental wipes, gels and sprays on the market, as well as the water additives.

Examine your pets teeth regularly for changes in color, redness of gums, or sensitivity. If you pets behavior at mealtime changes, it could be a sign of pain when chewing. If that game of tug suddenly ends up with yelping or refusal to play, it could signal a tooth issue. Check with your Veterinarian should you suspect a dental issue.

We at The Paws Mahal prefer the PetzLife product line. We’ve had great results with our own Yorkie and many happy customers who rave about it. www.thepawsmahal.com/cats/health_nutrition/petzlife_oral_care.shtml Find it here!