We've Gone Dental! Pet Oral Health Means Overall Health

As a nod to the Ramones song, with a slight change in lyrics, we want you to go dental with us!

Think about how your mouth feels when you've been sick for a couple of days and haven't brushed your teeth. You know, that gritty feeling that coats the surfaces of your teeth, the general bad taste in your mouth, the dry feeling of your tongue. You also don't neglect your teeth for too long because you know what the consequences are if you do: periodontal disease, gingivitis, bad breath, yellow teeth.

Imagine how your pets' mouths feel without regular attention to their teeth and gums! And, yet, many owners don't even realize it's something they need to stay on top of until the vet shows them extensive tartar buildup and red, tender gumlines and explains that a cleaning is needed that involves anesthesia. In addition to how it must feel, they're prone to many of the same consequences of oral neglect that people are. Dental issues can turn into dental disease, which can turn into other health problems elsewhere in their bodies.

Many years ago, no one would have ever considered the idea of brushing pets' teeth...but, remember, animals had their own methods of doing the job in the wild. Way back when, people rarely took their animals to a doctor either, and now it's just what we do, because we want to keep them with us for as long as possible. Oral care for pets is just as important as medical care and is even interrelated, especially with our modern lifestyles.

In a previous article, we dispelled the old myth that crunching on dry kibble keeps pets' teeth clean. There isn't really enough crunching or abrasion going on to sufficiently keep the teeth clean (if at all). A lot of pets simply don't chew their food that thoroughly, for one thing. But there are still plenty of ways to help keep your pets' mouths healthy.

Here are some ideas on how you can help prevent oral disease before it starts or potentially help correct mild issues that might already be present:

Regular brushing – use a brush specially made for pets or children, along with toothpaste that is only made for pets. Don't want any fluoride or xylitol making their way into your pets' systems! You can also use a finger brush, washcloth, or special teeth cleaning pads or wipes. Even some kind of brushing or wiping without toothpaste is better than no brushing at all.

If you've never brushed your pets' teeth before, it might take a few tries before they warm up to it. Trying various flavors of pet toothpastes could help. Remember to stay calm and unfazed during the desensitization process – no drama, no frustration, no scolding. You want this to become a habit they associate with feeling calm and happy so you can keep it up (and so they don't become fearful about people handling their mouths).

Treats and chews – we carry a variety of yummy things to treat your pets with so they don't even know they're getting a dental cleaning! Bone-a-Mints, Twistix, and Quado chews are a few that we carry, and your pups are bound to enjoy at least one of them.

Big ole meaty bones can also help keep teeth clean the way they might have in the wild. Just make sure you get one that won't splinter and that is USA-sourced so you can trust its safety in your pets' body. We offer these in the shop as well.

Always, always monitor your pets while they are chewing!

Water and food additives – we offer products that can be put right in your pets' water bowl for automatic daily cleaning. Doesn't get much easier than that. We also carry a seaweed product that can be sprinkled on top of food or mixed in, and pets don't usually seem to notice the taste (just make sure not to give seaweed to hyperthyroid cats, as it is too iodine-rich for their systems).

Topical treatments – among other things, we carry topical gels you apply straight to the teeth, with no rinsing or extra brushing necessarily required. When your pets begin the feverish lip-licking that is bound to ensue, it actually helps to spread the product all around their mouths and do its job.

Freeze-dried, dehydrated, and raw foods – feeding pets a more natural diet can help keep teeth cleaner because of a lack of carbohydrates and grains. Of course, we carry wonderful choices if you've been thinking of switching over to a more natural diet for your pets, like freeze-dried foods from The Honest Kitchen and Stella & Chewy's, as well as a freezer in the back stocked with raw food. (See this article for more info on how to choose the right diet for your pets.)

Of course, we leave the actual veterinary advice up to our vet friends. But we can help you narrow down good options for your pets when you come in and let us know what their personalities are like, what their tendencies are, and what flavors are their favorites. We'll help you choose products that are appropriate for both cats and dogs if you have both in your household or one or the other. We have safety and your pets' unique preferences in mind when it comes to these products, rather than the big boxes' basic interest in the bottom line.

Start today while it's on your mind, and begin a new healthy habit for your pets. If you have trouble remembering to do something toward their mouth health daily, try making it a practice to implement whichever option you choose after brushing your own teeth. Before you know it, it will have become a natural, daily habit for both of you.

Just a couple of minutes a day on your part can have a great impact on your pets' oral health. We do know that prevention is much easier on your pet and on your wallet than treatment!

See you soon.

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Victoria Park is the owner of Park Pet Supply in East Atlanta Village, established in 1999. Park Pet's goal is to help your pet live the healthiest and happiest life possible, with affordable prices and incomparable customer service for you.