Pet Sitting Portland Oregon – Have you brushed your cat’s teeth recently?
Did you know February is pet dental health month? Did you know that 70% of adult cats have periodontal disease? This is because many cat owners never brush their cat’s teeth. Noticeable pain and the inability to eat are usually the final stages of feline dental problems and will not become evident until it is too late. That is why today I have decided to compile a small list of tips that I hope will help all of you keep your cat’s teeth looking sharp.
•You should brush your cat’s teeth daily, but you need to brush them at least twice a week. Dental disease is the leading cause of trips to the vet according the American Veterinary Medical Association.
•You should start brushing your cats teeth at about three months of age. It is good to start early but it is better to try now than let your cat’s dental health go.
•Start off slow. Try looking into your cat’s mouth for the first few days. Reward your cat with a tartar control treat. Important: If you notice bleeding, swelling or lesions go to the vet. Inflammation and bleeding are signs of periodontal disease a condition which only a professional will be able to help with. Angry red lesions or “cobblestones” in you cat’s mouth can indicate Stomatitis a serious condition that can lead to extreme pain and interfere with your cat’s ability to eat.
•Dip your finger into something tasty and let your cat lick your finger for awhile. When you think your cat is ready, try gently massaging tuna oil into their gums with your finger. If your cat becomes resistant, stop and try again later. Don’t traumatize your cat or they may never adapt to having their teeth brushed. It can take awhile to get your cat used to having things put in there mouth so be patient and give your cat time.
•When you begin to brush you cat’s teeth don’t worry about getting the whole mouth at first. A complete brushing should take no more that 30 seconds. Your cats mouth is not as big as yours so don’t over do it.
•There are a variety of cleaning tools available. A children’s tooth brush will work fine but you may decide to go with a finger brush or cleaning sponge. Also, choose a flavored paste or wash that your cat will like. You should have no problem finding an assortment of these at your local pet store. Don’t use regular toothpaste it may upset your cat’s stomach.
•In addition, you can feed your cat food and treats that are designed to promote dental health. It is recommended that you take your cat to the vet for a proffesional cleaning every six months. Your vet should help you set up a cleaning plan. The more dental care you perform at home the less you will need to get at the vet.
Thank you for reading this. It is not finished. Maybe you have some advice. I am still trying to figure out what you should do if your cat will not let you brush their teeth no matter how hard you try. Everyone seems to agree that brushing you cat’s teeth is crucial. Should you wrap them in a blanket and force them? Should you let their teeth dissolve into mush? Should you take them to the vet once a week for a cleaning? I also plan to add a video of someone brushing their cat’s teeth to help you. Happy pet dental health month Pet Sitting Portland Oregon
Written by Charles Sutton
I found this article useful in a paper I am writing at university. Hopefully, I get an A+ now!
Thanks
Bernice Franklin
UGG Boots
the best way to avoid dental problems is to always see a dentist-~`
the pet store here in our area offers me a great deal of discount when i buy from them `,*
when you get older, you would be more prone to dental problems and stuff like that ..*
*;; I am very thankful to this topic because it really gives up to date information ;`*