Pet Dental Health Care Part Two: Dogs, Cats & Ferrets

In the first part of our Pet Dental Health Care blog, we looked at how you can try to prevent dental problems from developing in small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, as well as which signs to watch out for. Part Two will focus on dogs, cats and ferrets. We know what you’re thinking; ferrets are small animals! However, when it comes to teeth, ferrets are actually more like our larger furry friends than those we’ve already covered, due to being carnivores.

 

 

Cookie, Lily & Charlie looking for their next meal.

Around 80% of dogs and cats suffer from some form of periodontal (dental) disease by the time they are three years old. While the main cause of dental disease in small animals is overgrown teeth, in canines and felines it is generally a result of poor hygiene. Much like us, our pets need their teeth cleaning regularly in order to prevent a build up of plaque. When plaque is left to come into contact with the gums, it can cause an infection known as ‘gingivitis’. If this infection is not treated properly, it can progress to further infections, resulting in pain, discomfort and possible tooth loss. Bacteria from plaque can also make its way to other organs, with a high risk of damage and serious illness.

 

What are the signs of dental disease?

The most common sign that your pet is suffering from dental issues is the presence of halitosis – also known as stinky breath! Nobody enjoys that smell, so this alone should be enough motivation for you to get into a dental health regime with your animal. You should also watch out for a build up of brown tartar around the gum line, along with general discolouration of the teeth. Make sure you check their mouth regularly so that you can spot any changes easily – all you need to do is gently lift their lips on either side. Other signs include reduced appetite, excessive drooling, or persistent rubbing/pawing of the mouth. These could indicate that your pet is in pain and finding it difficult to eat.

 

How can I help to prevent it?

A balanced, healthy diet can go some way towards keeping teeth white and fresh, but it’s not enough to rely on this alone. Food needs to be supplemented with manual tooth brushing in order to best protect your companion’s canines. In an ideal world you would be doing this on a daily basis, but most vets recommend 3 times a week if daily is not practical. Teeth cleaning needs to be a regular practice, as once plaque has been left to harden it becomes tartar, which is much harder to remove and most likely would result in a visit to the vet.

 

 

Trusty’s Top Tips for Toothbrushing

It’s best to get your pet used to toothbrushing when they are young. However, don’t worry if you have an older animal; later is better than never! You should introduce the process slowly to avoid creating any negative associations.

 

  • Make sure you buy a toothpaste especially made for animals. Human toothpaste has a high fluoride content, which is toxic to animals.
  • Only attempt to brush their teeth when they are calm, in a setting with no distractions – this is for your benefit as much as theirs!
  • Get used to the process by practising with your finger; gently rub some toothpaste around their gums. This will get them used to both the taste and the sensation of having their gums touched.
  • Use a finger toothbrush or a soft toothbrush specifically designed for animals, as the bristles on human ones are far too harsh.
  • Build up the time you spend brushing slowly, and reward them for good behaviour afterwards.
  • Don’t force it! If your pet becomes agitated when you attempt to start brushing, leave them alone and try again another time.

Our Trusty Tips apply to all three carnivores that this blog is based around. However, cats and ferrets may require a little more patience. Ferrets are also more likely to suffer broken teeth from chewing on cage bars, so you should always look out for this when doing your regular dental checks. A small chip or fracture should not be an issue, but it’s important to monitor them for any signs of infection.

Dental Chews for Dogs

 

Another thing you can do to support your pet’s oral health is to provide regular dental chews. The action of chewing itself can physically dislodge plaque and tartar, but it also causes saliva to be released. This can wash away any potentially harmful bacteria which could end up stuck to your pet’s teeth. As it is recommended that dental chews are given regularly, if not daily, take care to choose ones that are not full of sugars and other unhealthy ingredients – these will do far more harm than good! We recommend Whimzees, Fish4Dogs and the brand new Lily’s Kitchen Woofbrush as great healthy ways of cleaning your dog’s teeth and freshening their breath.

Natural treats are also perfect as dental chews. The rough texture of dried meat or bone does a great job of scraping away any build up on the surface of their teeth. You’ve also got the benefit of knowing there are no harmful ingredients – they’re 100% natural.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In summary, the best thing you can do for your carnivore pet is to regularly check and clean their teeth with animal-suitable products. Encourage chewing of healthy treats and toys to further remove any plaque or tartar build up. If this build up gets too much, or if you spot any more concerning symptoms, you should always refer to a vet for advice or advanced treatment.

 

Take a look at our Dental Health Care page!