What Options are there to help protect my pet’s teeth ?
A specially formulated tooth diet will help reduce the amount of tartar build up on teeth. These biscuits are a structured fibre mesh, which act like a brush, cleaning the teeth as your pet eats. It is best fed as a complete diet – it is fully balanced and available for cats and dogs. We recommend Hills t/d. This has been clinically trialed and shown to reduce and inhibit tartar build-up. Hills also offer a 100% money back guarantee if your pet does not eat the biscuits.
(A small serve or t/d after a different meal may also serve to “brush” away the accumulated plaque)
Treats and Chews
We recommend Greenies – the first and one of the few treats endorsed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). The chewing action when your pet eats a Greenie aids in the removal of plaque via physical rubbing and the spread of protective saliva.
Other chew treats offering the VOHC endorsement are welcome. Search for the VOHC-endorsed list on the internet.
The humble carrot is also a safe, low-calorie, high-fibre toothbrush to stimulate saliva production.
Bones
Raw marrowbones or raw chicken frames are sometimes used as a chew device for keeping teeth clean. There may be some merit, but there are also risks.
Bones can lead to bowel obstructions, pancreatitis, food-poisoning, vicious constipation and commonly, fractured teeth.
You should never give your pet cooked bones. The cooking process dehydrates the bones, making them far more likely to splinter and break. Splintered bones can puncture the bowel or lodge in the throat or bowel. This is life-threatening.
If you are going to give your dog large marrow bones, give the bones as a fresh treat but then, once your dog has chewed out the marrow and the bone begins to dry, discard the bone. As it dries, the bone becomes harder and more brittle, more likely to break a tooth or to splinter into dangerous pieces. Not to mention risk of bacterial contamination.
Teeth Brushing and Oral Rinsing/Wiping
Using a brush to clean your pet’s teeth can help control tartar build up. Pet only toothpastes are available - these are usually flavored and are safe for your pet to swallow. NEVER USE HUMAN TOOTHPASTE. There are several different brushes to choose from – finger brushes or double sided brushes. The process of brushing your pet’s teeth needs to be started slowly
and with plenty of positive rewards. Keep in mind that regular brushing is helpful (ie. at least once daily) while irregular brushing is close to useless.
We also recommend a product called Hexarinse. This palatable antiseptic rinse aids to keep plaque and tartar forming bacteria at bay (it therefore helps bad breath too). It can be used as a rinse – drizzling it over your pet’s teeth, or wiped over the teeth using a soaked, soft textured material such as a Chux Wipe cloth daily. Regular use is required.
The best home care strategy that we can recommend is a combination of feeding Hill’s t/d, offering a Greenie daily, brushing teeth twice daily (if possible) and following with a Hexarinse mouth wipe.
If you follow this protocol, you will be implementing one of the most proven methods of protecting your pet’s teeth and health. As part of your preventative program, having your pet’s teeth checked every 6 months will keep you ahead of any subtle changes. We offer free dental checks at Forth Valley Vet Clinic. You’ll then have time to organize an ultrasonic Scale and Polish (teeth cleaning) procedure before more serious disease develops.
Remember – your pet’s teeth need daily care, just like yours!