DISCOUNTPetMedication

Basic Dental Care for Dogs and Cats

When was the last time your beloved old dog plunked her head on your shoulder for a little attention... and almost knocked you over with her malodorous breath? Or your cat fell asleep and drooled on your best skirt... and you had to wash out that smell?

Ideally, we'd all like to think that our pets' dental hygiene is as good as our own, but no matter what age your dog or cat, and no matter what you've been feeding them, you need to address the issue of feline and canine bad breath on a regular basis.

If your pets enjoy generally good health, you don't need a vet to examine their teeth and gums; in fact a pet's owner usually gets better cooperation when he or she performs this feat at home under comfortable and calm circumstances.

Now that you've got her mouth open:
Look for swollen, red, or inflamed gums, or obvious signs of decay; i.e., black or grey spots on the tooth enamel. Often there are few obvious signs due to plaque buildup or natural discoloration. Plaque is a leading cause of decay, gum infection and bad breath, as your own dentist and dental hygienist has surely told you repeatedly.

Prevention of plaque build up on your pet's teeth is the key to a sweet breath. A routine of dental hygiene is best started at a young age, but it's never too late to remove plaque on an older animal's teeth and begin routine preventative care.

If you discover a large buildup of plaque, or your dog has other health problems, consult your vet and take his advice on the option to annasthesetize the animal and remove the plaque completely.

Plaque removal is a very common procedure on dogs; a bit trickier on cats, but luckily a properly fed cat rarely has significant plaque buildup. An impacted back tooth is a more common problem and will require a surgical procedure to correct, at which time plaque is also removed.

An important tip:
After you've performed a home dental examination - and before you take your dog or cat to a vet - check out the Internet for dental care supplies and aids. You will find literally hundreds of oral solutions, liquids, pastes, scalers, wipes, brushes, enzymes, and treats available. Pet shops, pharmacies and, of course, your own vet if he keeps a stocked clinic are good sources, but an on-line search for the lowest prices can save you a significant amount of money. Shop around. An excellent starting point for comparing discount pet medication websites is discountpetmedication.net.

The products you need are for preventative and ongoing care, so don't be embarrassed to ask your vet for some free samples to get you started and tell him you'll be experimenting to find what best suits your pet and your budget. If he writes you a prescription, ask about generic brands and whether antibiotics or other remedies he's prescribing are available over the counter or from less expensive sources. Remember, you're paying for his advice; you don't have to buy your pet supplies from him.

---

All articles on this site are owned by DiscountPetMedication.net.
You may copy an article for use on your own website as long as you keep the entire article intact and provide a reference link back to www.discountpetmedication.net