February is pet dental health month, and it's the perfect time to pay extra attention to your furry friend's oral hygiene. Just like humans, pets can develop dental problems that can lead to pain, discomfort, and even more serious health issues.
What are the signs of dental problems in pets?
It's important to be aware of the signs that may indicate a dental problem in your pet. Signs may include:
- reluctance to eat
- bad breath
- swollen or bleeding gums
- drooling
- signs of pain or discomfort when chewing
- behaviour changes
- weight loss
- unhappy being handled/touched
If you notice any of these signs, or anything else unusual in your pet then get in touch with their vet and get it checked out.
What can I do at home?
Brush their teeth: While you don't have to do it twice a day like humans, brushing your pet's teeth regularly can help prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for pets.
Offer chew toys designed for your pet, these can help to reduce plaque and tartar build up, and in the case of pets whose teeth are always growing, can help to wear them down.
You can also offer dental treats, available for most animals they are designed to encourage chewing, and may have additives to help with dental hygiene. Just be mindful that some of the more popular dental sticks/treats may not be as healthy as you'd imagine, and a raw bone, single source protein skin braid/roll or crunchy fish skin might not only be healthier, but better for their teeth.
Natural treats are also an option for cats, catnip sticks & raw treats such as chicken necks or wings are ideal in size for a cat (or very small dog) as well as hairy treats like rabbit ears - if your kitty is a hunter then they will likely already be crunching away on bones fairly regularly, and I bet their teeth are sparkling!