Whether canine or feline, this principal applies to your best friend! The foods you feed, vaccinations, and steps taken against heartworm disease and flea and tick infestation are all part of preventative maintenance in health care. Yet, 85% of all dogs and cats over the age of four are affected by periodontal disease. This condition is progressive, and if left unchecked, can become irreversible. Untreated periodontal disease causes pain, bad breath, receding and infected gums, and tooth loss. Bacteria from oral infection can enter the blood stream and becomes systemic in nature. This can lead to heart, kidney or liver failure. But, before you run for the tube of Crest and your old toothbrush, read on...
Passive prevention, such as feeding dry food, crunchy treats and providing rawhide products and chew toys will help your pet naturally remove plaque and tartar. But like people, routine brushing of teeth, is the only really effective way to prevent gum disease and tooth loss in your dog or cat. There is no substitute for brushing! You should always use dental hygiene products that are designed especially for pets as they are not only healthier for your pet but many times they are more convenient. Most dogs and cats find the taste of pet toothpastes more palatable and far less offensive than human toothpastes. Better taste means increased usage and better results. Note that dogs and cats can't rinse and spit, so be sure your pet toothpaste does NOT contain fluoride as fluoride can irritate your pet's stomach
Pet toothpastes generally contain a higher level of abrasives allowing you to clean more quickly and effectively. A specially designed pet toothbrush, or finger-tip brush, is a better fit to your pet's mouth than a standard toothbrush and will make the process more enjoyable for both of you. Like any preventative steps, starting early in your pet's life will help him to accept the procedure. It may take a few brushing sessions for you and your furry friend to get comfortable with the process, but with these tips you'll be an expert in no time! First, be sure to choose an appropriate time and place and stick with it throughout the introduction period. Be sure to give lots of praise during the process and perhaps a special treat afterwards.
Begin slowly. You may lift the lips the first few times to get him used to being handled around the mouth. Gradually, begin to touch the teeth with your fingers. Once you are able to touch your pet's teeth, you can introduce the toothpaste. Let him smell and lick the paste on his own. You may than apply a small amount of toothpaste to a gauze wrapped finger or finger brush and rub his teeth. Once you've gotten this far, it is time to introduce the toothbrush. It is not necessary to fully open your pet's mouth and brush the inside of the teeth at first. You can keep the mouth closed, lifting the lips to expose the teeth as the plague and tartar forms on the outside of the teeth along the gum line. Place the brush at a 45 degree angle toward the gum-line and begin brushing using small circular motions. Pay special attention to the back teeth. Once the routine is established it is important to brush every day as tartar develops from plaque in as little as 24 to 48 hours. If you are using the Triple Pet 3-Head Brush, you can simply place the brush over the teeth and gently move the brush back and forth in small motions.
In addition to routine tooth brushing, Slurp’n Fresh Oral Hygiene Solution gives you the best opportunity to keep your pet’s oral cavity healthy. It is a great addition to brushing and is easy to use! Simply add a capful of Slurp’n Fresh to your pet’s water bowl each time you change the water. Slurp’n Fresh is uniquely formulated using natural plant extracts. It does not contain alcohol, artificial sweeteners, food coloring, flavor enhancers, chlorophyllin, or anything else that doesn’t belong in your pet’s mouth or stomach. Slurp works by eliminating bad bacteria in the pet’s mouth, thereby reducing the sulphur-based compounds that cause bad breath. Slurp will also soften plaque & tartar so it comes off your pet’s teeth easier when they eat anything hard.
Thus, Slurp drastically slows down tooth decay and gum disease. It’s healthy and should be used regardless of breath. Start when your pet is young and their teeth will be in much better shape when older. An added benefit of Slurp’n Fresh is that it contains the natural raw plant extract Yucca Schidigera, which has proven valuable for overall digestive system (GI tract) health. Slurp’n Fresh will reduce fecal odor, urine odor, and it will reduce brown grass caused by urine. Slurp’n Fresh is a continuous use product that takes effect in 24 hours.
Your pet will also benefit from regular visual inspection of the mouth and gums. A healthy mouth will have firm, pink gums. Teeth will be white with little or no discoloration. Red or bleeding gums, two sets of teeth, uneven wear or broken teeth, tartar and or receding gum lines, and a foul odor emanating from the mouth should all be reported to your veterinarian. Good oral hygiene is good preventative maintenance! An important part of caring for your best friend!