Dental problems in dogs and cats are increasingly caused by food that the pets should not eat. So eat what people eat. As a result, more and more dogs and cats suffer from dental problems. But what food should you not give a dog and a cat to prevent dental problems? And does a dog or cat also have to go to the dentist?
Human food is not for dogs and cats
Dogs and cats should not eat human food. That means that the leftovers from lunch or dinner do not belong in the pet food bowl. For example, animals that eat a lot of potatoes full of sugars have to deal with a lot of tartar and loose teeth. Not to mention animals fed cookies and candy. A thorough cleaning by the vet can only bring relief.
Plaque, rotten teeth and tartar in dogs and cats
Dogs and cats increasingly suffer from tartar, plaque and rotten teeth. To get ahead of all those problems, there is plenty on the market to stop this from happening. For example, there are:
- Coated feed to reduce tartar
- Toothbrushes for pets
- Mouth flushes for dogs and cats
- Toothpaste with chicken, beef or fish flavor
Saving on food causes pets to develop dental problems
Cheap foods and just eating along with the pot causes dogs and cats to have problems with their teeth. The so-called C brands of food, which are cheaper, contain more fat and they stick more to the teeth than the more expensive A brands of dog and cat food. This causes more plaque and therefore problems in the long run.
How are the teeth of a dog or cat maintained by the vet?
If a dog or cat has to pull a molar because it is rotten, the animal will be anesthetized. Removing tartar is done just like with humans, but with a crumbling tongs. The tartar is broken away with those tongs and the remaining scraps are then ground away.
Start brushing the teeth as a puppy
Brushing the teeth of dogs is very good for preventing tooth decay. However, this is only possible if it is already started when the animal is still a puppy and the animal still allows it. Because of this method, the animals do not know any better later in life and they just allow it.
What does tartar do in a dog’s or cat’s teeth?
Tartar is disastrous for humans, but also for animals. Tartar pushes up the gums and irritates them. Bacteria sometimes spread through the rest of the body from the root. In that case the animal can develop heart or kidney problems.
Costs of dental treatments for pets
The maintenance of an animal’s teeth can be quite expensive. In 2013, for example, a number of ten euros was charged for pulling a molar. This is approximately the same amount for the removal of tartar. Complete teeth extraction costs between 250 and 300 euros. A tube of toothpaste for animals is a lot cheaper and costs about 7 euros.