Dental Health Tips and Solutions For Dogs and Cats

Has your dentist ever told you to brush or floss your teeth more? We may need reminders here and there, but keep in mind that dental hygiene is also a very important part of your dog or cat’s overall health and wellness. Dental problems can also be the source of other health conditions. Periodontal disease is the most common oral condition in dogs and cats. It starts with plaque, a sticky film made of bacteria that covers the surface of the teeth. When plaque is not removed and allowed to build up, it hardens into tartar, which can cause gum inflammation and prompt infections. Poor oral hygiene is more than bad breath, it can lead to painful mouth conditions and make eating difficult. February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so teeth are the topic, and we have some helpful tips to keep your dog and cat healthy and happy.

 

Get In Charge of Dental Health

  • The first step is to talk to your veterinarian. During an exam, they will look at your pet’s teeth and gums for signs of plaque or tartar buildup, as well as detect problems. They will recommend a regimen based on your pet’s age, general health, and the condition of their teeth. X-rays and regular teeth cleanings are a common treatment plan for dental wellness and diseases. Learn more.
  • Start an at-home regimen as early as you can. If you have a puppy or kitten, get them accustomed to having gum massages. When their adult teeth come in, they’ll be more accepting of regular tooth brushing -One of the best ways to remove plaque.
  • Choose the best pet oral hygiene products. Talk to your veterinarian about which dental health supplies, chews, and supplements are right for your pet and how to use them. These can help you maintain your pets dental health at home between visits or cleaning, and may help prevent the formation of oral diseases.
  • Commit to your plan. Stay on schedule and follow through with the plans for the best long-term dental care.

Dental Health Care Products

VetRxDirect has a wide selection of dental care products for both dogs and cats. Check out these favorites:

Vetradent at VetRxDirectVetradent reduces bacteria in the mouth responsible for plaque and tartar formation. It is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless liquid that contains Biotrate technology to break through bacterial biofilm in the mouth. Vetradent also eliminates bad breath and maintains the dental pH balance. Use Vetradent Water Additive to fresh water, or Vetradent Spray directly on the teeth and gumline.

 

1-TDC at VetRxDirect1-TDC, TetraDecanol Complex, is an esterified fatty acid oil that naturally supports healthy gum tissue and helps reduce the risk of periodontal disease in dogs and cats. It also works to support the health and function of your pet’s joints to keep them active and mobile.

 

 

Oratene at VetRxDirect

Oratene dental care products contain a patented enzymatic system with antifungal and antibacterial properties. Use Oratene Drinking Water Additive for a brushless oral solution that removes plaque and reduces odor-causing bacteria. Antiseptic Oral Gel helps treat mouth infections. Brush with Oratene Toothpaste to eliminate plaque and bacteria. Breath Freshener soothes dry mouth, cleans, and refreshes.

 

DuoClenz Dental Chews at VetRxDirectDuoClenz chews keep your dog’s teeth clean and their breath fresh. They have a special enzyme coating and abrasive texture to make contact with the tooth surface while preventing plaque and tartar buildup. Each chew is made from cooked beef rawhide and has a tasty poultry flavor that dogs love.

 

Examining your Pet’s Dental Care

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According to legend, dogs’ mouths are cleaner than any other mammals. This often leads many of us to believe our pets’ dental health is superb. However, this is not the case.

Dogs, as well as cats, need routine dental checkups much like us humans do. Many of us only think about dental care when our cat or dog has a problem. Scheduling regular dental exams before these problems arise can prevent issues. See VetRxDirect’s Dental Month blog post for more information.

DID YOU KNOW…

  • Dental disease is the second most common disease in cats and dogs?
  • Before our pet’s third birthday they can develop dental disease?
  • Visual examination of our pet’s mouth only reveals 30% of our pet’s dental health?
  • Our pets are masters at disguising pain and can be suffering from dental disease long before they show signs?

It is important to visit your veterinarian and schedule regular dental cleanings and exams for your pet. This will not only help your veterinarian diagnose dental issues early on, it will also promote a longer, healthier and more comfortable life for your pet.

Use coupon code DENTAL13 and Enjoy 10% off entire orders
containing at least one pet dental product through Pet Dental Month of February!*

Also, enjoy 10% markdowns on the following dental products during February:

  • Biotene Veterinarian Drinking Water Additive (soon to be Oratene) is an oral gel containing a patented enzymatic system that is added to your pets drinking water and helps remove plaque and inhibit odor causing bacteria.
  • C.E.T HEXtra Chews – Available for both as Hextra for Cats and Hextra for Dogs, provides your pets with the support needed to remove plaque and loosen tartar.
  • Clenz-a-dent Food Additive – Sprinkling this daily on your dog or cats’ food can aid in plaque control, tartar control and help them maintain fresh breath. This product should not be given to any pets suffering from hyperthyroidism.

*Customers must be signed into an account at VetRxDirect.com to validate coupons. Coupons cannot be combined or used with any other discount or offer. All discounts are valid for online orders only. Cannot be used on telephone orders.

Keep smiling,

Wes

Brush Up on Your Pet’s Dental Health

I don’t know many people who love going to the dentist, but I think we can all agree on the value of good dental hygiene. It’s important for pets too. After obesity, dental disease is the second most common disease in pets and it can start as early as age three.

The status of your pet’s dental health is hard to actually see since visual exams show only about 30% of what’s happening on the teeth and gums; x-rays are necessary to see the full picture. Veterinary trips, x-rays, special products…. Yes, veterinary dental care is an extra expense. But beyond causing “dog breath,” dental disease can have devastating effects because it:

  • Causes pain and can hamper your pet’s ability to eat
  • Creates bacteria that can move into major organs including the heart, liver and kidney
  • Shortens your pet’s life

What can you do to improve your pet’s dental health?

Whether you have a puppy with pearly whites, an older cat with yellow teeth, or a senior dog that is missing a few, you can improve your pet’s dental health.

·Ask your veterinarian about your pet’s dental health. The first step is to talk to your veterinarian about what’s best for your pet. She’ll recommend a dental health regimen based on your pet’s age, general health, and the condition of his teeth. If a cleaning is in order, ask about discounts or special dental health programs during February as they’re often available during pet dental month.
·Start a pet dental health regimen as early as you can. If you have a puppy or kitten, get them accustomed to regular tooth and gum massages. Then when their adult teeth come in they’ll be more accepting of regular tooth brushing.
Dental Health Products for Pets are Available at VetRxDirect·Choose the best pet oral hygiene products.  Toothpastes and brushes made for humans should not be used on dogs and cats! Talk to your veterinarian about which dental health supplies, chews, and supplements are right for your pet and how to use them. Remember, veterinary cleaning products are most effective if you start using them when your pet is young or right after your dog or cat has had a teeth cleaning.

·Check out VetRxDirect’s selection of top quality dental health products for dogs and cats:

·Make the commitment. You are the most important part of your pet’s dental health regimen. Your cat can’t brush her own teeth and your dog can’t reach the dental chews on his own (or maybe he can!). Sticking to a dental health plan takes work, but it’s worth the effort because you can avoid costly dental procedures later in your pet’s life.

In good pet dental health,

Wes