Jacksonville, FL 32256 veterinarian offers tips and tricks for dental care for dogs and cats

At Bluestar Pet Hospital and Grooming, Dr. Venkat Gutta and his team of professionals are committed to helping pet parents take care of their furry family members to improve their quality of life and extend their lifespan whenever possible. Our veterinarian will educate pet owners on the importance of keeping dogs’ and cats’ teeth and gums healthy. Just like humans, dogs and cats can develop decay and periodontal disease. This can result in bad breath, loose teeth, and other problems that can impact their ability to eat properly. Our veterinarian in Jacksonville, FL 32256 describes tips, tricks, and recommendations for dental care for both dogs and cats for pet parents to consider.

What can happen if pets do not have proper dental care?

It is important for the parents of dogs and cats to work with their veterinarian to establish a dental care routine that works best for their pets. This can help in eliminating the risks of periodontal disease and tooth decay. Just like us, dogs and cats can develop dental problems that can result in serious harm to the mouth. Tooth decay can cause pain, and periodontal disease can result in the loss or extraction of teeth. This can make it difficult for pets to eat, and owners may need to switch their pets to a diet of soft foods when this occurs. Of course, all of this can be avoided by following the tips and tricks for dental care for pets, such as the recommendations below:

• Brush their teeth every day. You brush and floss your teeth every day, so why shouldn’t you do the same for your pet? With proper tools and techniques, pet parents can brush their pet’s teeth daily to keep dental decay and disease from impacting their oral health. There are many tools that can be used that are available at our practice for purchase, or at the local pet store. This includes a toothbrush designed specifically for pets, as well as toothpaste that is safe for dogs and cats in the event they swallow it. If you haven’t brushed your pet’s teeth before, start slowly to get them used to having this done.
• Provide appropriate chew toys and treats. There are certain products that can be great for keeping your pet’s teeth cleaner, including toys they can chew on. But, pay close attention and make sure that you choose a product that has the seal of the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) on the packaging. These are products that meet certain standards when it comes to controlling tartar and plaque in pets. It is important that you avoid giving your pet real bones or pig ears as these can damage teeth and even be harmful to your pet’s health if ingested.
• Provide a special diet if needed. Some pets may benefit from certain foods available through the veterinarian’s office that are formulated to help with cleaning the teeth by the way the kibble is shaped. Additionally, pets who have had teeth extracted may fare better with foods that are soft, such as canned foods.
• Have a veterinarian perform teeth cleaning. At Bluestar Pet Hospital and Grooming, our team provides teeth cleaning services. Pets can be evaluated to determine if they could benefit from these treatments, and if so, we can provide services to bring the smile back to health one step at a time when combined with proper home care. Pets are usually sedated while our team takes x-rays and provides a thorough dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that can contribute to decay and disease.

Schedule a visit with Dr. Venkat Gutta and his team today!

If you are interested in educating yourself further on how to care for your pet’s teeth, we encourage you to book an appointment at Bluestar Pet Hospital and Grooming in Jacksonville, FL today. The practice is in Suite #4 at 11048 Baymeadows Road and can be reached by calling (904) 720-4272. We have another location in the community of St. John’s for clients in that area who are seeking comprehensive veterinary care.

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