Hours Weeknights: 7pm to 8am
Weekends/Holidays: 24 Hour Service Friday 7pm to Monday 8am

Hours Weeknights: 7pm to 8am
Weekends/Holidays: 24 Hour Service Friday 7pm to Monday 8am

Unit 10, 1 Wexford Rd, Wexford Square Plaza, Brampton, ON

 Call Us: 905-495-9907

Top 3 Recommendations To Good Pet Oral Health

February 5, 2015

February is Pet Dental Health Month.

Poor pet dental health impacts more than just the smell of their breath, it also contributes to their overall health and wellness.

Oral health / dental care is the #2 vet-recommendation resulting from routine exams (2013 Canada’s Pet Wellness Report, CVMA), and that’s ahead of deworming, parasite control & vaccinations.

What many pet owners often don’t realise is that taking a proactive approach to their pets’ oral and dental care helps to reduce instances and even prevent some very major health problems that can be brought on as a result of poor or lack of maintenance.

Conditions that can be reduced or prevented by regular dental care include:

  • periodontal disease, the erosion of soft tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place by bacteria, a very painful condition
  • stroke
  • organ failure due to blood-borne bacteria originating in the mouth circulating throughout the body
  • endocarditis, the collection of these migrant bacteria on the valves of the heart
  • diabetes
  • osteoporosis
  • respiratory infection via an oro-nasal fistula, which is a hole in the hard palate of the mouth that leads to the sinuses, caused by the spread of bacteria from dental disease

So what can you do to maintain good oral health for your pets? Here are veterinarian Dr. Neil Gowan, Bsc DVM’s top 3 recommended methods to keeping your pet’s smile white, breath bearable and organs healthy.

Brush Daily

One of the very best ways to avoid the completely preventable condition of periodontal disease is by brushing your pet’s teeth daily using a pet toothpaste. Brushes and pastes are available for purchase at your local pet store or often from your veterinarian.

Eating Right

Just like we do for ourselves, we can greatly mitigate the damage that is done to their oral health by changing their diets. Dental treats and/or diets that have the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal can go a long way to keeping teeth cleaner and gums healthier.

Following Veterinary Recommended Treatment Plans

Trust and follow the recommendations set out by your veterinarian. Routine dental cleanings are important to halt and prevent the onset of dental disease and are an essential part of your pet’s overall wellness, just like a good diet, vaccines and parasite prevention.

If you have questions about your pet’s oral health and dental care, contact your veterinarian today.

Preventing Cat Fights

September 26, 2017
The loud and frightening cat fight has been experienced at least a couple times by every owner. Here are some reasons why it happens and how to stop it.

Helping Your Pets Adjust To The Back-To-School Routine

September 19, 2017
It’s not only the kids that have to adapt to the new changes school has to offer, dogs and cats too. Separation anxiety is very common in pets, luckily there are some tricks that will ease their minds.

Dog Of The Month - Akita

September 8, 2017
The soft coat of the Akita makes them the perfect cuddle buddy, with some stern training that is.

Rabies In Ontario

August 22, 2017
Ontario has the most confirmed cases of rabies infections in Canada. Learn about the disease and what you can do to protect yourself and your pets.

Dog of the month – Airedale Terrier

August 1, 2017
Originally from England since the 1800’s, the Airedale Terrier’s were breed to hunt badgers and otters.

Picking The Perfect Name For Your Pet

July 21, 2017
Picking out a name when welcoming a pet into the family can be a very difficult process. It’s one of the first things to accomplish and can be harder than it seems.

Dog Breed of the Month - Afghan Hound

June 29, 2017
This breed is very majestic and ancient. They are known for their speed. Afghan Hounds actually hunt by speed and sight and not by scent and were bred to track animals like deer and gazelles. They can reach a speed of 65 kilometres an hour. Like a race horse, it’s all in the hips. It is in their nature to chase what they see so a fenced in yard is recommended along with some monitoring. One hour of physical activity a day is required.

Summer Heat Warnings

June 12, 2017
Provide clean and cool drinking water that’s placed near some shade. It is never a bad idea to place several bowls of water, and space for your pet to walk around in the shade. Even placing a chair for your dog or cat to lay under helps provide a shade.

Be Your Own Doggy Dentist

June 9, 2017
Just like you and I, dogs are prone to cavities and although their mouths are said to be cleaner than humans they can still develop tartar, plaque buildup, gingivitis or other problems other than bad breath.

Exercise Essentials

May 31, 2017
A pet is most motivated to play and let out some energy when they are in the company of their owner. A playmate is always loved. If neighbours have another dog, go to a park as a group and increase the want to move. Your community might also have some planned activities, or a local dog walker.
More Posts
Share by: