How to Care for Your Pet’s Teeth

This article is brought to you by Petcover New Zealand, a specialist pet insurer offering a comprehensive range of pet insurance for cats, dogs, and horses, with the widest range of policy options and cover levels to suit.

A study at Cornell University found 90% of cats over the age of four suffer from a form of dental disease, and with dogs, it’s more than 80%. These findings make sense because our pets explore the world with their mouths. With a little time, patience, and knowledge, the majority of dental diseases are preventable.

What dental problems are the most common for our pets?

Among cats and dogs, periodontal disease is the most frequent, causing an infection and inflammation of the tissue surrounding the tooth. Periodontal diseases frequently begin with gingivitis, which, like humans, is easily identified by gums being redder than normal and swelling.

How can we prevent our pets from getting a dental disease?

The sooner you begin checking your cat or dog’s teeth the better, if they’re willing for you to examine their gums on a regular basis, you’ll be more likely to notice when something is wrong.

The problem cats have that many dogs don’t is it’s difficult for their owners to notice anything wrong with them until they start going off their food. While a dog might be happy to come up to you with their tongue out and mouth wide open, most cats don’t do this, so cat owners must be especially vigilant.

How to look after your pet’s teeth

You can buy cat and dog toothpaste and toothbrushes, but you must introduce them gradually.  Begin by letting your pet sniff the toothbrush and determine whether to lick it. Adding tuna water or chicken fat to the brush will encourage most pets to lick it.

Never ever use human toothpaste as it contains xylitol, which is toxic to dogs and can result in low blood sugar for cats.

The abrasive edges of kibble and dry food can also help manage plaque and tartar.

Although chew toys aren’t as popular with cats, giving your dog one can help keep their teeth clean. Coffee tree wood and yak chews are highly durable and do not splinter easily, but constantly supervise your dog when chewing.

How Petcover can help your pet

Petcover specialises in providing affordable, comprehensive coverage for your four-legged family members. Petcover’s mid-range plans offer day-to-day care as an optional extra, with a $50 annual benefit that can go towards teeth cleaning. Accidents can happen at any time and the reality of veterinary costs can come as quite a shock. With our range of cover levels for dogs, cats and horses, why not get a quote online today.

*Issued by HDI Global Specialty SE – New Zealand (FSP614229). Consider the PDS before deciding if this product is right for you. PDS located at https://www.petcovergroup.com/nz/