February 19, 2008Show us that smileDaily dental care is just part of a normal routine for most of us, but if you are like me, you may not have made it a daily habit for your pets. 
February is National Pet Dental Health Month, or so I became aware via a press release. Immediately I felt pretty guilty because the biggest effort I have put into taking care of my dogs' teeth is buying Greenies. And I have never done anything about my kitties' pearly whites. Not once, not ever. So, if you're a dentally-negligent pet parent like me but want to do better by your critters', here are a few tips I found while surfing the net on this topic: • Take your pet to the vet for a checkup: Your doc can help you draft a plan for your pets' dental health. • Begin a dental health routine at home: A good brushing is the best way to clean teeth. No toothpaste necessary, the friction of brushing should help remove the crud. If your pet absolutely refuses to cooperate with your brushing plan, ask your vet to recommend a food that can help remove plaque and tartar. • Schedule regular dental checkups: Don't wait for a problem. To get in the habit, try to call for your pet’s dental appointment the same day you call to make your teeth cleaning appointment with your dentist (bet the pooch will get in first!) Remember, healthy teeth will help your pet live longer and live better. FYI- I recently interviewed a local pet parent about her Berger Picards, a rare French shepherd breed. As her three happy canines were showering me in puppy kisses, I noticed they had teeth that looked like an ad for Crest whitening strips and nice, sweet breath. I asked her what she did to keep her pooches' teeth in such good condition. She told me that she buys beef ribs, cuts them into single-bone servings, and freezes them. She feeds the frozen “bone-cicles” to her dogs, and she said the friction from chewing the hard bones whisks the plaque and tartar away. |
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Comments
[February 20, 2008 12:11 PM]
Laura GreenI have an almost six year-old Shepherd mix with amazing teeth! Even at his age, I haven't had to make a vet appointment to clean his teeth. His teeth are as white and bright as a puppies. I credit this to feeding lots of rawhide, beef bones, Greenies, and frozen carrots. In particular, my dog loves the frozen carrots!