Toledo veterinarians Dr. Alan Moore can help you get started with a complete pet wellness plan that includes both at-home and office pet dental cleanings. Medical conditions, including kidney failure, animal diabetes, infections, cancer, or unhealthy eating habits can have bad breath as a symptom. Schedule a full pet wellness care exam to eliminate other concerns first. We will first check for sores that could make dental cleanings a painful experience for your pet. Finally, we will show you proper dental cleaning techniques.

Dental disease in animals can turn an otherwise healthy pet into a sick one. And it is much more common than most people think. Approximately 80% of all cats and dogs have dental disease by the age of two that may land them in an animal hospital. Fresh breath makes your pet a better companion, but pet wellness care goes way beyond minty freshness. Dental diseases can lead to serious health problems such as kidney, liver, and heart disease. Toledo veterinarians Drs. Moore have taken a keen interest in preventing and treating dental disease to help prevent more serious conditions.

Just like wellness and hygiene for you means regular brushing and flossing, good pet wellness care includes pet dental treatments. Pet dental cleaning promotes healthy enamel, prevents erosion of gums, and makes your pet a more pleasant companion. It also helps pets live healthier lives. Residents of Toledo can visit the veterinarians in our animal hospital to develop a dental health routine for their pets.

Start with the right tools. Pet stores offer enzyme sprays, cleaning tools and toothpastes. Pet toothpaste come in great meat flavors that your animal will enjoy and feature enzymes that make cleaning easier. Human toothpastes are not healthy for your pet, so be sure not to use them.

Warm your pet up to the idea of pet dental cleanings. We promise you will save yourself a lot of grief if you get them used to the idea first. Letting your pet lick the toothpaste from the dental tool and get familiar with the paste and the tool will slowly introduce them to the idea. Once your pet is comfortable with the toothpaste and cleaning tool, very gently clean the teeth and gums. Focus on the outside areas first. The inside doesn't usually require the same cleaning. Cleaning your pets' teeth once or twice a week is frequent enough.

And don't forget, there are many effective chews to help keep your pet's teeth clean. The best chew for your pet is the one that they enjoy and is safe. As always, be careful about the impact of extra calories on your pets' weight.

Are you ready to put together a pet dental and make it a part of your pet wellness care program? Talk to our team about it!