You recognize the importance of an oral health regiment for yourself, and it’s equally important for the health of your pet. More than just causing stinky breath, poor dental care can lead to periodontal or gum disease and eventual tooth decay and loss. What’s more, dental hygiene is important for their overall wellness. At Tractor Supply, our pet products help you protect their teeth and mouth, so your happy companion stays healthy and smiling. Learn more about the importance of dental care for your pets and how to keep oral health concerns at bay.
Keeping Your Canine’s Chompers Clean
It’s hard to think of a pet more playful than your pup, and their mouths often get in on a lot of the action. Whether it’s gnawing on a bone, playing tug-of-war with a rope toy or simply scarfing down a delicious treat, their teeth can take a beating – especially if they love to sniff around in the mud or dirt.
Without regular dental care, dogs can develop periodontal disease, which can affect their teeth if not addressed as soon as possible. Poor dental health can also impact a canine’s overall well-being, sometimes increasing the risk of other conditions thanks to the bacteria present in their mouths. Oral hygiene is a must for them, but how do you do it? We carry a range of dog dental care supplies to help you get started, as well as some advice for getting the job done right:
Brushing Their Teeth
Your dog’s teeth aren’t built like yours, so choose a dog toothbrush rather than using your spare. Their toothbrushes are designed differently, and you’ll likely get them to cooperate more when they’re comfortable. For your pet’s safety, use only dog toothpaste with the ingredients their bodies can handle. Ensure you purchase teeth cleaning and breath freshening products from reliable brands and with the certifications that let you the item is effective and safe for your pal, such as the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance.
Now for the more challenging part – brushing those teeth. Your dog might be nervous at first, but you can make the experience better by easing them into it. Allow them to sniff the toothbrush and paste, even rewarding them with a treat or two. And it should be a daily – or every other day – routine, as it doesn’t take long for plaque to accumulate and harden.
As you begin, gently press the toothbrush against their teeth and gums and go in soft, circular motions. Make sure you cover their entire mouth to clean up any plaque and tartar buildup. When it’s done, give your patient companion another treat to reinforce their good behavior and get them used to the new routine.
If your pal doesn’t mind you putting your hand in their mouth, dog dental wipes offer a great alternative to toothbrushes. Scrub their teeth and gums back and forth, collecting plaque and tartar in the process.
Supplementing Oral Hygiene
Regular cleanings aren’t the only times you can protect their oral health. Incorporate dental care into their every day with products such as:
- Dental chews: Tasty dog dental treats have properties that help keep teeth clean and fresh.
- Dental supplements: These may come in chew, liquid, topical or another form and provide the support their mouths need.
- Food formulated for dental care: Enrich their diets with meals that boost oral hygiene. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) also extends their Seal of Acceptance to food, so consider these options you can rely on.
- Dental toys: Chew toys especially help reduce plaque buildup while keeping them stimulated. Even better – unlike a treat, dog chew toys don’t add any calories to their diets.
- Dog bones: Like dental treats, some dog bones can aid with oral health, such as raw meat bones and bully sticks. It’s easy to give their dental health a boost when they love to chew on these snacks.
- Dog oral rinse: You use mouthwash when you brush your teeth, and oral rinse for dogs works similarly. You pour some in with a separate water dish, and it works as your pet laps it up.
All these alternatives make a great supplement to routine toothbrushing, but they shouldn’t replace it. When it’s time for their annual checkup, the vet will examine their teeth and gums and guide you on any additional action that may or may not be necessary to protect their oral health. Regular at-home care can reduce the likelihood of issues the vet notices with their mouths, not to mention the risk of periodontal disease.
Polish and Freshen Your Feline’s Fangs
Cats are pretty independent and sanitary, but one area where they need your help is dental care. Daily or weekly toothbrushing can keep a kitty’s breath fresh – especially after a fishy meal – but it also protects them against tooth decay, gingivitis and other common concerns. Stay on top of your feline friend’s oral health needs with cat dental care products, and rely on these tips:
Routine Toothbrushing
Cats can be more finicky than dogs, so it might seem impossible to get yours to sit for a teeth cleaning. As with the pups, it helps to slowly introduce them to the process, allowing them to sniff the supplies before applying toothpaste.
Gently move across the teeth and gums to ease them into it and reward them with a treat or pet for being a good kitty once it’s all over. Of course, you only want to use a feline-formulated toothbrush and paste, which you can find in our inventory of teeth cleaning and breath freshening supplies.
Optimize Their Health Everyday
Outside at-home dental cleanings, it’s recommended that cats see the vet for periodic exams, at least once a year or every two years (although it’s different for some pets). The vet can identify potential problems, such as periodontal disease, and recommend the best way to treat them and prevent further issues.
In between these visits and toothbrushing, you can enhance your kitty’s oral hygiene with additional supplies, including:
- Dental chews: More than just a delicious snack, these chews help remove plaque and tartar, plus boost oral hygiene with health benefits.
- Dental supplements: Give their mouths a little extra care with supplements to support teeth and gums.
- Cat food with dental care benefits: Some dry and wet options are fortified with vitamins and nutrients for better oral health.
- Water additives: Besides helping keep teeth clean, dental pet water supplements can encourage hydration and freshen breath.
Even if giving your kitty a treat or sprinkling additives into their water is easier, these products should supplement toothbrushing and veterinary exams, not replace them.
Enhance Their Dental Health and Overall Wellness with Tractor Supply
Pet parents want many years with their beloved companions, and it’s essential to take care of their oral health. This is not just to protect the mouth and keep breath smelling fresh but to also guard cats and dogs against diseases. Proper dental care starts with reliable and effective supplies, and our wide range of options means you can find the ideal choices for your pet, whatever their breed, lifestyle or health needs. Visit your local Tractor Supply store or shop online today.