Most pets do not like it, resist it, scratch and even bite their owners when it comes to brushing their teeth. However, cleaning is essential to maintain not only the oral health of dogs and cats, but their overall health. This is because a pet without oral health can have pain, which makes it impossible for them to eat properly. Another related problem is the proliferation of bacteria in the oral cavity that can compromise other organs, such as the heart, liver and kidneys.
Oral health ensures the well-being of pets, just as it does for us. The difference is that they do not show discomfort and, therefore, problems are diagnosed late.
“Bafinho” is just a detail
Poor oral hygiene results in the initial “bad breath” that many owners have probably noticed in their pets. Many people think it is normal, but bad breath indicates that something is not right in the pet’s mouth, regardless of the animal’s age.
Poor oral hygiene leads to the formation of plaque on the teeth, which causes bad breath. As a result, the gums can become inflamed, sensitive, painful and bleed. As a result, simple activities such as eating can become painful for them.
In cases where plaque has already formed, dogs and cats need to undergo professional cleaning. This is because, at this stage, the internal structures that support the tooth, such as bones, ligaments and roots, may already be compromised, causing it to fall out. Many pets may also have mouth ulcers or trauma as a result of direct contact between tartar and the cheek or tongue.
Brushing impossible
Do you know that feeling of dirty teeth when you spend the whole day without brushing them? Well, it is caused by the daily accumulation of bacteria on your teeth. And this also happens to pets. The accumulation of bacteria is synonymous with infection, which is why gum inflammation, periodontal disease and tartar develop.
Bacteria in the mouth accumulate on the teeth as soon as they erupt into the oral cavity. Therefore, oral hygiene is essential from the time they are puppies. Therefore, when brushing is impossible due to the pet’s personality (which may be traumatized or skittish), the first recommendation from experts is to take the pet to a veterinarian specializing in dentistry every six months for an evaluation and deep cleaning, which includes anesthesia, x-rays and dental polishing.
Food is an ally
If the animal does not yet have periodontal disease, the owner can use products for prevention. Specialized foods contain components that help prevent plaque and tartar, so follow the advice of a professional when choosing the right food.
For dogs, natural beef bones can help remove dirt that is embedded in their teeth, but because they are very hard, they can cause tooth fractures. Therefore, they should only be offered under supervision and to dogs that do not chew too intensely.
There are also water additives that help with oral health and prevent tartar build-up – and can be used for dogs and cats. And wipes with chlorhexidine, one of the most effective antiseptics used for oral hygiene. When rubbed correctly on the teeth and gums, they can help remove plaque.
Finally, the market also offers snacks to prevent tartar, but you should not base your pet’s oral hygiene on them. Unfortunately, there are several products that appeal to teeth, but there are no studies that prove their effectiveness.
Playing also helps
Hard nylon toys (and even some special furniture) can also help clean teeth. Another great option is teethers that can be frozen.
Balls, rings and other rubber objects help prevent bad breath in animals, as they “abrade” the surface of the teeth. Tip: try washing the toy and putting it away for a while. When you receive it, your dog won’t let go of the item and it will clean it more thoroughly.
Remember that none of this replaces brushing your teeth, they are just ways to help with oral hygiene!
Dogs vs Cats
Brushing a dog’s teeth is usually easier than brushing a cat’s, as dogs are more easily trained and conditioned. It is quite easy for an owner to teach a dog to sit, but with a cat the story is a little different. However, in both cases, success depends on training and patience.
To do this, it is best to start early. You should train your puppy to handle his mouth by running your hand over his nose and your finger over his teeth. Conditioning is based on repetition, so creating a brushing routine allows you to establish a relationship of trust between the animal and its owner.
Teeth brushing for both species should be based on positive reinforcement, that is, the animal should be rewarded with something it enjoys after cleaning, such as a treat. For felines, any weapon is valid, even catnip!
But not all pets will let you put a toothbrush in their mouth right away. So, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out:
- Start by touching your pet’s face, whether it’s a cat or a dog. Some animals don’t like having their nose touched, but they should understand that it doesn’t pose a threat.
- Pet your dog from the base of his ear to his cheek and nose. When he allows you to touch him, reward him. Repeat several times, gradually increasing the amount of time you spend handling him.
- Wait until the animal allows you to manipulate the inside of its mouth. The owner should gently massage the gums with his or her fingers, repeating the process and providing positive reinforcement with a snack.
- Use a different texture, such as gauze (wrapped around your finger) or even a plastic finger cot, to start getting your pet used to cleaning.
- Use a toothbrush. Pet toothpaste can help with this process, as it usually has a pleasant taste for them. The important thing is to be persistent!
_____________________________________________________