pet dental care

Take Care of Your Dog’s Teeth & Save a Bundle!

Kids with their dogJessie, the money-conscious dog: Simple math tells you taking care of your pet’s teeth is part of the equation when it comes to good oral health care, vet bills, and other related costs.  A typical cleaning of a dog’s teeth can cost $75.00 -$350.00, depending upon the difficulty of the job.

The average insurance claim submitted by those with pet insurance for dental care is $292.00!

If there’s advanced periodontal disease, surgery or extractions can cost $1,000.00 or more, not to mention the additional pain and suffering for your dog!

Drum roll, please…..Daily brushing with dog toothpaste costs roughly $30.00 – $60.00 a year.

So, all I am suggesting here is that taking care of your pet’s teeth at home on a regular basis can save you tons of money in the long run.  You wouldn’t skip a day cleaning your teeth, would you?  Why would you risk the health of your pet?  Think about it.  Once you do the math, it should give you and your pet something to smile about!

(Thanks to costhelper.com for these great stats!)

Do the Math: Daily Care of Your Pet’s Teeth Can Save You a Fortune!

Jessie, the money-conscious dog:  Just so you know, simple math can tell you that taking care of your pet’s teeth is part of the equation when it comes to good oral health care, vet bills, and other related costs.  Did you know that a typical cleaning of a dog’s teeth can cost anywhere between $75.00 and $350.00, depending upon the difficulty of the job? 

The average insurance claim submitted by those with pet insurance for dental care is $292.00!

If your dog has advanced periodontal disease, surgery or extractions can cost $1,000.00 or more!

Drum roll, please…..Daily brushing with dog toothpaste costs roughly $30.00 – $60.00 a year.

So, all I am suggesting here is that taking care of your pet’s teeth at home on a regular basis can save you tons of money in the long run.  You wouldn’t skip a day cleaning your teeth, would you?  Why would you risk the health of your pet?  Think about it.  Once you do the math, it should give you and your pet something to smile about!

(Thanks to costhelper.com for these great stats!)

Ow, My Aching Tooth!

Yesterday regular clients Dillon and Riley, aka The Fur Boys, got their annual dental cleaning.  Riley came through fine, Dillon, however, had a molar removed.

So what are some things Dillon and Riley’s people can do to keep the boy’s smiles intact?  Daily tooth brushing is the best way to prevent dental problems.  These boys are getting a bit older and aren’t very cooperative when it comes to brushing, but there are other things to do to help keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Using water additives, like CET Aquadent, is an easy way to help prevent plaque buildup and keeps pet’s breath fresh.  There are also several dental treats on the market that can help prevent plaque and tartar buildup.  Check with your vet to get recommendations on the best one for your pet.

It’s important to have your pet’s teeth checked regularly and schedule cleanings annually at a minimum.  If your pet has a history of dental problems or is a breed prone to dental problems (toy breeds, for example) dental check-ups and/or cleanings may be needed every six months.

Our pets age differently than we do (1 pet year = 5-7 human years) so exams and dental cleanings are essential to keep them healthy.  If you notice your pet pawing at his mouth frequently or if he seems reluctant to eat anything hard, it may be a sign of dental problems.

Taking care of your pet’s dental health can prevent discomfort for him and keep vet expenses in check for you.  Keep your pet’s smile sparkling by scheduling his cleaning today!

Ways to Keep Pet’s Teeth Healthy

As Bo and Jessie discussed in their last post, dental care is an important issue for pets.

Although brushing pet’s teeth provides the maximum benefits, not all pets are receptive to it.  There are alternatives that provide some benefits.  Some of the alternatives include dental treats like CET HEXtra chews for Dogs.  Dogs like the taste, enjoy the chewing action, and these treats have toothpaste built into them!  There are a variety of dental treats available, so check with your vet for a recommendation.  Raw vegetables such as green beans or carrots work well too, and dogs usually love the taste!

Another option that works for both cats and dogs is drinking water additive.  The additive is added to your pet’s water daily to help prevent plague and freshen breath.

To protect your pet’s teeth, monitor chewing activity.  Check pet’s toys (especially dogs) and if a toy is so hard it hurts when you hit your leg with it, it’s too hard for your pet and can cause tooth breakage.

Have your pet’s teeth checked once a year at a minimum.  If your dog or cat has a history of dental issues, more frequent visits may be required.  Consult your vet to develop a plan for your pet’s dental health.

February is National Pet Dental Month, so take the steps needed this month to keep your pet’s smile healthy!

Pets Need to Brush Regularly Too

Bo, the impeccable kitty:  Jessie, I have been meaning to tell you this for quite sometime, but just never had the courage to do so, but, in light of our growing popularity, I felt it was my duty to let you know that I think you need to become more aware of proper oral hygiene.  There!  I said it!

Jessie, the adorable canine:  What on earth do you mean?  I have the most glamorous of smiles.  After all, my pearly canines are my trademark.

Bo:  Perhaps, but I just have never seen you actually brushing your teeth.  Did you know that dogs are at risk for developing plaque and tartar, just like our humans, as a result of dental hygiene that has been neglected?  Tartar can lead to gingivitis, which can become an irreversible periodontal disease, leaking bacteria into the bloodstream potentially causing great damage to internal organs. (Putting paw to forehead in desperation) It just pains me to even think about it.

Jessie: I thought you hated me.  Why all the fuss?

Bo:  Purely for educational purposes, my friend.  I pick on you to inform our audience.  Work with me now.   I do have good news for you, however!  All it takes is some home oral care so plaque build-up can be controlled and reduced before it becomes a major problem.  For starters, use toothpaste sold just for dogs.  As we all know, dogs cannot spit, and we certainly do not want them to ingest this stuff. Your human can clean your teeth by using a regular human toothbrush, a finger brush, or simply a piece of gauze that is wrapped around the finger.  Be sure you allow your human to get into a comfortable position wherein he or she can grasp your muzzle and lift your lips away from the teeth.  Then, let them gently get to work.  It is important to brush along the gum line, as this is the area where bacteria tends to collect.  Make sure your human brushes your teeth in a circular motion, cleaning each tooth with several such motions. Make sure they get the back teeth, too!  When done a couple of times a week, this should be effective in maintaining a clean and healthy mouth for your dog!

Jessie:  I can’t stand you right now, Bo. You are the plaque in my life.

Bo:  Great!  Now your mouth is dirty again!  I told you not to say such filth!  (Running down the hallway, screaming for his human)  Karen!  I have a job for you!

Karen Harrison is the proud owner of two pets with healthy teeth and gums, and she can help you understand proper oral care for YOUR pet.  Contact Karen at the Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City.

Information for this blog was found at http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/26/how-to-clean-your-dogs-teeth/?icid=main|htmlws-main-w|dl1|link7|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawnation.com%2F2010%2F01%2F26%2Fhow-to-clean-your-dogs-teeth%2F

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