Top 3 tips: dental care for your dog
Helpful hints from the Iams Pet Wellness Council to help maintain pet dental health
Monday February 1st, 2010
Why is dental health for my pet important?
Tartar and gingivitis are two of the most common problems seen by veterinarians and poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease, loss of teeth and, if untreated, could develop into more serious conditions such as bacterial infections of the heart, liver, or kidneys. In fact, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral and dental disease by the age of three.
Top 3 tips for pet dental health
1. Daily Brushing - Brushing your pet's teeth helps to remove plaque and slow the development of tartar. When first beginning to brush, be gradual and make it a pleasant experience. It is recommended to use a finger brush and you can eventually add pet toothpaste (do not use human toothpaste). Be sure to reward your pet afterward with play or a nice walk!
2. Diet - What your pet eats affects his smile. Dry foods and treats can help clean plaque from teeth. Real bones can be dangerous for your pet and should not be used for teeth cleaning purposes.
3. Dentistry - Talk to your veterinarian about annual or semiannual teeth cleaning. A teeth cleaning performed by your vet is the only way to remove tartar build up. Just like you would schedule a cleaning, be sure to calendar in your pet's cleaning as well.
Courtesy of Iams Pet Wellness Council
Home grooming tips
April 29th, 2009
Wash, cut, brush and dry. You can keep your dog well-groomed! If you have seen your dog rub or roll on the rug, or chew and lick at her fur, you have witnessed her attempt at self-grooming. Have you...
Fighting and preventing flea infestations
June 9th, 2009
While fleas may seem too tiny to cause much more than an inconvenience, an infestation of fleas on your dog can become a serious medical problem indeed. Your dog can run the gamut of reactions to fleas,...
|
amen to what " Alice in Dallas " has well put. I live in the middle of Nebraska, we had been vetting with DR.so and so for 8yrs. The vet moved 30 miles south to a larger town and now charges 3 to 4 times as much. nebraska almost 2 years ago by Anonymous |
|
|
I fully support regular dental cleaning by a vet. But here in the Dallas TX area (and I assume everywhere else), the cost for cleaning including the anesthetic and the pre-surgery labs (which all vets require, and I understand why), is at least $400 and typically more. Who can afford that? Few people ..... especially if you have several dogs - and even cats. There are some good articles on the internet in which well known vets decry the fact that the veterinary profession has gone over the top with their billing structure, making the right care of one's dogs and cats almost out of reach for most families. I surely do agree with that. almost 2 years ago by Anonymous |
Recent conversations on these topics
-
Dental Costs for Dogs
My pup has serious gum issues due to his teeth being displaced by the constant tremors he has from his Distemper .. he survived the distemper but left his mouth short of being 'totally functional'. My vet says the infection needs to be cleaned up and teeth permanently removed. $2000? Is this crazy? He is five and otherwise healthy. the same doc wants to sedate him to take his blood since he is so fidgety at the vet office.. again, crazy??? Help me please!!
featured articles
Martha Stewart's Genghis Khan out-Chows the competition at Westminster
February 14th, 2012
Pedigree's pound puppies too sad for Westminster Kennel Club
February 13th, 2012
A Pit Bull mama and her last litter
February 13th, 2012
Dog bites anchorwoman on live TV
by Leslie Smith on February 9th, 2012
Animal behavior: Like baby, like dog
February 10th, 2012
Video: Dog help in the office
February 11th, 2012
offers from our sponsors
Coupons and free offers on dog food, dog supplies, and more
October 13th, 2010
Eukanuba 28 Day Challenge
July 13th, 2011
0 comments | leave your own comment