Direct4Pet, one of the country’s largest online veterinary approved pet retailers, is backing Pet Dental Health Month which is being held this February, by offering advice to dog and cat owners on how to look after their pets’ teeth.
Garry Howard, Director of Direct4Pet says: “Looking after your dog or cat’s teeth is essential for their overall health, as dental disease can lead to pain, infections, and even organ damage. Pet Dental Health Month gives us the opportunity to give advice to pet parents by giving them a number of practical steps that they can take to care for their pet companions’ teeth.”
The most effective method of dental care is regular, ideally daily, brushing with pet-safe toothpaste (do not use human toothpaste) and a soft-bristled toothbrush or finger brush. Start slowly by letting your pet lick it off your finger, gently rub onto their teeth before you start introducing a brush. Focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth where plaque builds up. There are also a number of specialist plaque removal products on the market as well which come in sprays and gels.
Feeding an appropriate diet can also help to prevent dental problems. Feeding natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives or colourings can help to prevent the build-up of plaque. There are also a number of specific dental diets as well which come in kibble format. These are deigned to mechanically scrub teeth as your pet chews.
Natural dog treats are the best to feed your pets along with veterinary approved dental chews. Fish treats are not only low in fat but are also good for your pets particularly dried or dehydrated fish skins because of their unique physical texture and natural properties. They act as a natural, healthy alternative to artificial dental chews, helping to maintain oral hygiene. The rough, chewy, and dried texture of fish skins scrapes against a pet's teeth as they chew. This mechanical action helps to remove plaque and reduce tartar buildup, promoting cleaner teeth and healthier gums. The action of chewing on these tough treats increases saliva flow, which acts as a natural cleanser that breaks down food particles and reduces bacterial growth in the mouth. Fish treats are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and help reduce inflammation. Regular chewing can prevent gum inflammation and reduce the risk of periodontal disease. Unlike processed rawhide, high-quality fish treats are typically 100% natural, making them easy to digest. By reducing the bacterial buildup and plaque that cause odours, these treats help to improve pet breath over time.
There is no substitute of course for regular veterinary dental check-ups which should take place at least once a year. Even with good home care, professional cleaning under general anaesthetic is often necessary to clean below the gumline and remove stubborn tartar.
If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet, as they may indicate painful dental disease:
- Extremely bad breath
- Yellow or brown buildup on the teeth (tartar)
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Dropping food or difficulty eating
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Loose or missing teeth
By starting a dental routine early, you can help prevent pain and serious health issues for your pet.
As a UK-based, RCVS-registered veterinary pharmacy and pet-care retailer, Direct4Pet provides a full range of products — prescription medicines, food, supplements, accessories and everyday essentials — all overseen by qualified veterinary professionals. Products to cater for these needs can be found on their online store.
For dog dental products visit: Dog Teeth Cleaning Products | Dog Dental Care | Direct4Pet. For cat dental products visit: Cat Dental Care | Cleaning Gel, Cat Toothpaste & More
For further information on Direct4Pet vsit: www.direct4pet.co.uk
