By Grace Bathery
Just like it is for humans, dental care is an important component in the health and happiness of pets. One of the School of Veterinary Medicine’s board certified dentistry experts, Christopher Snyder, associate dean for clinical affairs and director of UW Veterinary Care, shared tips on dental care for pets during a recent interview with Wisconsin Public Radio.
Here’s a summary of Snyder’s recent conversation on ‘The Larry Meiller Show’:
What can be done at home for pet dental care?
Before home dental care takes place, a cleaning at the vet should be done to clean beneath the gumline where harmful bacteria live and to ensure there is no baseline discomfort. Brushing a pet’s teeth at home before identifying discomfort can cause a pet to dislike toothbrushing and make them more prone to resist brushing long term. After a preliminary cleaning at the veterinarian, effective dental care can be managed at home with toothbrushing, dental diets, and toys and treats designed to reduce tartar.
What can I do about my pet’s bad breath?
If bad breath is irregular and happens when a pet is burping up air, it is likely diet-related.
Chronic bad breath is typically caused by an underlying problem in the mouth. The only way to know with certainty is the pet going under anesthesia for a complete exam and cleaning. Prior to anesthesia, it’s important to get bloodwork done to make sure your pet is safe for anesthesia and that all organs are working properly.
What kinds of treats and toys are safe for pets?
The muscles in the jaw that help pets chew bones or hard toys can generate more pounds per square inch than teeth can withstand, leading to teeth breakage and the need for root canals. A rule of thumb to follow is if you can whack yourself in the knee with a toy or treat and it hurts, it’s probably too hard for your pet to safely enjoy. When deciding what diet, treats, and toys to give your pet, a good resource to turn to is the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s website. Their website features products backed up by quality research showing they clinically and statistically reduce plaque and tartar buildup.