A regular vet check-up for your pet should include a look at their teeth

We have been told since childhood how necessary it is to take care of our teeth. 

We know all too well that a lack of care can bring on a perforated smile. What most of us don’t realize is that the same problems and pitfalls plague our pets.

Animals are born with deciduous or “baby teeth” just as we are. By the time a dog or cat has reached six months of age, these deciduous teeth should have all been replaced by permanent teeth. 

If any of the “baby teeth” have not been pushed out, they may act to trap food particles and cause the decay of the animal’s permanent teeth. Thus, any remaining “baby teeth” should be removed after the permanent teeth are well in place.

Animals suffer from the results of plaque or tartar build-up just as people do. This is especially bad in small breeds of dogs and in cats. Heavy tartar build-up will allow bacteria to grow under the gum and begin the decay process in the exposed roots of the teeth.

Many people have been told that allowing a dog to chew on bones will keep his teeth clean, but this is not the case. 

Access to bones also risks intestinal blockages or perforations in dogs and should be avoided.

It is far more effective to use one of the new products that kill the bacteria that will cause tartar on the dog’s teeth. These are available in most veterinary clinics. 

Even a quick brushing of the dog’s teeth with a toothbrush dipped in mouthwash will reduce the bacteria that will cause plaque.

The real backbone of a dental health program for dogs and cats lies in a regular check-up schedule just as we have. This check-up can be quickly done when the dog has his yearly vaccinations. 

By finding problems at the beginning, we can usually remedy them before it is necessary to remove the dog’s or cat’s teeth. No-one but the mailman would like to see dogs without their teeth.

(Dr. Fred Conkel is the veterinarian at Westgate Animal Clinic.)