Better Pet Health: 5 Ways To Keep Fido's Teeth Clean Without Brushing
Oral health isn't just important for humans, it's also important for family pets. If you have a cat or dog and don't know how to care for their teeth, you might be feeling lost. While brushing is a valid option for your pets, it isn't one that is easy to do—and pets typically don't like it. Fortunately, there are other methods for keeping their teeth clean and healthy.
Here are five ways to care for your pets teeth without brushing:
1. Focus On Food
One of the easiest ways to improve your pet's oral hygiene is by feeding them good food. If you can, try to feed your pet high-quality food that doesn't contain starches. Like human teeth, animal teeth are prone to decay when eating starchy foods because starches easily convert to sugars. If you can't afford high-quality food, just make sure they are eating dry food. Dry food is hard, so it helps to scrape off the plaque that builds up on their teeth.
2. Nurture Healthy Chewing Habits
As you are probably aware, pets like to chew on things. If you find that your dog or cat is chewing on your belongings, offer them chew toys. The chew toys will help divert their chewing habits to a more healthy option that also happens to be good for their teeth. You can find chew toys for both dogs and cats, and most of these are great for cleaning your pet's teeth.
3. Consider Water Additives
Another way you can help your pet's oral health is by utilizing water additives. These additives are kind of like toothpaste, in that they help to clean the teeth. Over time, the additive in the water will help wash away plaque and bacteria. Some will also freshen their breath.
4. Opt For Healthy Treats
Every pet loves treats. If you like to give treats to your pet, give them healthy ones. If you want to feed your dog human food, opt for fresh fruits or vegetables. If you prefer to keep your dog away from table treats, consider offering them chew bones, dry meats, or dental sticks. As for your kitty, make sure you offer treats that clean their teeth and freshen their breath.
5. Visit The Vet
Finally, make sure you take your pet to the vet at least once per year. During regular checkups, your vet will check your pet for signs of periodontal disease or other issues. If it turns out that your pet's teeth aren't so healthy, the vet can easily clean their teeth for you.
For more information, visit http://montclairvethospital.com or a similar website.
