Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats

Dental Disease

One of the most common diseases we see in dogs and cats is dental disease and many pets will hide the pain and suffering they experience, so it is important to have their teeth assessed by a vet every 6-12 months.

What are the signs?

• Bad breath

• Reduced appetite or a change in preferred food texture or type of food

• Reluctance to allow examination of their mouth

• Reluctance to play with toys or chew

• Other systemic signs of illness and premature aging.
  

  What is it?

Plaque is made up of food, bacteria and saliva and it hardens into tarter if it isn’t removed by cleaning, brushing or chewing. Tartar then builds up causing gum inflammation and bleeding (gingivitis). Infection can then spread to bone and ligaments (periodontitis) which leads to tooth loss.

Toxins from bacteria and inflammation enters the bloodstream and affects our pet’s organs, including but not limited to their heart, liver and kidneys so dental disease can make them feel unwell. Pet’s hide illness and pain very well and often people assume their pet is showing normal signs of aging when in fact they are suffering from dental disease. In many cases, people report their pet having a new lease on life after they have received dental treatments!

Prevention is best!

The best thing we can do to prevent periodontal disease is to brush their teeth daily with pet-specific toothpaste. If we brush their teeth regularly then we can remove the plaque before it hardens into tartar.

Additionally, you can give them dental chews or specialised dental diets to help reduce the plaque build-up however this is not as effective as tooth brushing.

A dental Scale and Polish under anaesthesia may be required to remove any plaque and tartar from below the gum line which is where the disease starts.

Tips on how to brush your dog’s teeth

Ideally, start this when they’re a puppy, but older dogs can still learn new tricks! Make it a positive experience and reward them with healthy and delicious treats.

If your dog is mouth shy or reactive to being touched around their mouth then the process can take a lot longer. You’ll need to start desensitising them to having their mouth touched before you attempt tooth brushing which can take several months. Start by gently touching their head or muzzle when they are feeling calm and relaxed and then reward them. If they become stressed, then don’t push them. Begin by gently touching their head or muzzle for very short periods of time followed by a reward. Once they are comfortable with this, try lifting their lip and eventually try touching their teeth. Remember to be gentle and patient and to reward them to ensure they have a positive association with having their mouth touched.

Once they have been desensitised to having their mouth touched, start by slowly by rubbing pet-specific toothpaste on their teeth, then you can transition to a finger brush or a soft human toothbrush. Be gentle and patient and try to make it a positive routine for them, choosing a time when they are calm and quiet. Ideally, daily toothbrushing is best for preventative care.

Don’t start brushing their teeth if they already have signs of dental disease as this may cause pain. If they are showing any signs of pain or dental disease then it is important to have them assessed by a vet as they may require treatment prior to preventive tooth brushing.

Tips on how to brush your cat’s teeth

Ideally, you should start this process when they’re a kitten, but just like dogs, old cats can learn new tricks! Cat’s are sensitive creatures so try to make the experience a positive part of their daily routine.

If your cat is head or mouth shy then it is important to spend the time needed to desensitise them to having their face and mouth touched, spending short amounts of time touching their face or lip and then giving them a treat. Once they are comfortable with this, try lifting their lip and touching their teeth and then giving them a reward.

It is best to use no to minimal restraint and to use treats as a reward. Initially, try brushing their teeth for very short periods of time and then reward them. Choose a time that suits them; a time when they naturally come up to you to spend time with you. Try to create a routine and start tooth brushing at the same time each day.

Once they are desensitised to you touching their teeth, you can use a dental finger brush or simply wrap some microfibre fabric or cotton swab over your finger and pull back their lip and rub on their teeth. If your cat becomes stressed then it is best to stop and try again another time. It can take weeks to months to train a cat to be receptive to tooth brushing. Ideally you should brush their teeth every day in order to prevent periodontal disease.

Don’t start brushing your cat’s teeth if they have dental disease as their mouth is painful. If your cat is showing signs of dental disease or pain then it is best to have them assessed by a vet prior to starting teeth brushing.

Final Thoughts

Our pet’s dental hygiene is just as important as ours and it can affect their organs and their quality of life. As animal lovers, we want to try to protect our furry family members from the pain and suffering of dental disease. Daily teeth brushing is the best prevention and with patience we can make it a positive experience for both you and your pet! Sometimes pets still require a dental scale and polish under anaesthetic so it is important to have your pets assessed by a vet regularly for early detection of dental disease. Looking after our pet’s dental health is just one of the ways we can try to ensure they live a happy and healthy life.

Visit Love and Toe Beans for more resources on keeping your pets happy and healthy. ❤️