North Canterbury Vets are a mixed practice which deals with dairy cows, beef, sheep, deer, horses and alpacas as well as companion animals. Our team has an ethical focus to assist in developing and growing our clients' businesses and providing quality health care to ensure that their livestock and pets live healthy and productive lives.
The "don'ts" of dental health
Maintaining your pet's dental health is key to ensuring their overall wellbeing. While there are some key things to do to keep their mouth healthy there are also a few key "don'ts"
These include:
- Never use human toothpaste, which can contain ingredients like xylitol that are toxic to animals
- Don’t allow your dog to chew on tennis balls – the fluff combined with small soil particles act like sandpaper on their teeth
- Never allow your dog to chew on bones, rocks, or any toys/treats that are too hard to bend or break easily. Chewing on these items can easily fracture your pet’s teeth
- Don't ignore bad breath. Bad breath in your pets, especially dogs, can be an indication of a bigger problem, including local and systemic issues
Also, keep an eye out for some of the warning signs that could indicate that your pet's dental health may be becoming an issue.
Some common signs include:
- Excessive Salivation
- Bad Breath
- Pawing at their mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Loose teeth
- Difficulty picking up food
If you notice any of these signs, give your local clinic a call straight away as these can be an indication that your pet's dental health may already be negatively impacting their overall wellbeing.
If you would like any advice on caring for your pet's dental health give your local clinic a call to book in a Free Nurse Dental Consult or to have a chat with one of our team.
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