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Brush your dog’s teeth

Posted on August 5, 2008, 10:10am and updated on August 6, 2008 at 11:03 am
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Brushing dog's teethDogs and cats with bad breath are the target of Pet Dental Month in August.

Vets are encouraging pet owners to have their animal’s teeth checked to make sure their oral hygiene hasn’t “gone to the dogs”.

Libby Varcoe from KJ McGrath Veterinary Clinic in Millicent said about 80pc of dogs and cats show signs of treatable oral disease by the time they are three years old.

“Bacteria combined with saliva and food debris between the tooth and gum can cause plaque on the tooth and with time calcium is deposited and the plaque becomes tartar,” Dr Varcoe said.

“Tartar becomes hard like cement; this can’t be brushed off and needs veterinary treatment.”

Dr Varcoe said dental disease could easily go unnoticed.

She advised pet owners to watch for signs including persistent bad breath, tartar buildup on the gum, red and swollen gums, pawing at the mouth, bleeding, sensitivity to touch, changes in eating and chewing habits.

Australian Veterinary Dental Society president Dr Tony Caiafa said oral care was important to provide the best possible health and quality of life for pets.

“Pets can have very similar problems to people, such as gingivitis (swollen gums), mouth ulcers and broken teeth,” Dr Caiafa said.

“All of these problems can make eating and playing quite painful.

“Bacteria can also cause bad breath, which is often the first sign that can alert you to oral problems.”

AVDS recommends the three Ds of pet oral health including dental check-up, daily tooth brushing and dental friendly diet.

Dr Caiafa said brushing teeth was the most effective way of removing plaque and keeping gums healthy.

“It works for people,” he said.

BRIOHNY ROBINSON

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