Four out of five dogs have periodontal disease. Yet, we spend far more time and energy focusing on our teeth with toothpastes, specialty toothbrushes, mouthwash, floss and teeth whitening strips. It’s easy to often forget about our pet’s dental needs, but that cause major problems and even shorten their life span. Pets can have the same problems that we can have if we don’t take care of their teeth (periodontal disease, gingivitis, bad breath, bleeding gums, gum disease, mouth tumors/cysts and a shortened life).

Taking care of our pet’s teeth is similar to our own dental hygiene. To start out, inspect your dog’s gums and teeth to look for any signs of problems (inflammation, bad breath, red gums, bleeding, plaque, broken or missing teeth). You will want to lift up their lips for a good inspection of their teeth and gums once a week. If there are any signs of a problem, take your dog to Celebration Veterinary Hospital (if you are in or near Celebration, Florida) so that our professionals can check your dog.

If there are no signs of problems, it is time to choose a dental regiment that you will keep up with. An easy option is to put a capful of dog dental rinse (don’t use your own dental rinse, as it is dangerous for your pet) in a quart of water. When dogs drink from their drinking water, it will help their dental hygiene. You can also give your dog treats that are specifically designed for dental hygiene, which work as an edible toothbrush. Having chew toys are also helpful to remove some plaque as they chew away. It takes time and energy, but it is important to brush your dog’s teeth at least 2 – 3 times a week. Don’t start out immediately brushing their teeth, but help them get used to the idea and the taste of it. You know your pet and when your pet is comfortable with one step, move to the next. You might have to work on a step for a few weeks to get them comfortable, though. First, start by massaging their lips like you were brushing their teeth to help them adjust to you touching their mouth like this. Then, massage their teeth in the same way in a circular motion. Afterwards, purchase a dog toothpaste and put a bit on their lips to get them used to the taste. Now, it’s time to start with a dog toothbrush (don’t use a human toothbrush). There are also dog toothbrushes that you can put on your finger to use. When they are used to you touching their teeth, the taste of toothpaste and the toothbrush, it is time to start brushing their teeth. Brush in a circular motion, just like we are taught to do for our teeth. Pay special attention to the part of the tooth that touches their gums, as that is where most plaque builds up.

If you have specific questions about dental care for your pet, please contact Celebration Veterinary Hospital for an individual consultation.

Photo by Victor Habbick “Dog on Grass”

Living in Florida, we know how hot it can get in the summer. Don’t forget that your pets need to be protected
from the heat, just as we do. Pets can easily suffer from heat exhaustion, sunburns, and dehydration during the summer months. The Celebration Veterinary Hospital, in Celebration, Florida, has some tips to offer, but as always, keep a close eye on your pets and bring them in if you have any concerns.

Make sure that your pet always has a fresh supply of cool water. Leaving water outside will cause it to be too hot to drink very quickly, so make sure you have ample shade and replenish the water regularly. If you will be leaving your pets alone in the day, freeze a bowl of water so it can thaw and provide cool water for a longer period of time.

Bring pets inside during the hottest hours of the day. If it’s too hot for you to be outside, it is too hot for your pets. Remember, they have extra fur and their body temperatures can rise quickly. While they are inside, consider purchasing a pet bed that can be filled with cool water or placing a fan near them.

When they are outside, make sure you have provided a comfortable shaded area. You can wrap an ice pack in a towel or sock and place it where your pet rests. You can also purchase cooling pads, bandanas or collars that can help keep your pet cool. Allow them to rest in the heat of the day and wait until it cools off to take them on a walk.

Never leave your pet alone in a car. It isn’t enough to crack the windows for them, as the temperature rises too quickly in the car. Take an extra key with you so you can leave the air conditioning on for your pet while you run your errands.

Pets, especially dogs, can sunburn easily. Pet sunscreen can be purchased, but avoid rubbing it on their belly or in locations where they can lick it off. The sun reflects off of sidewalks and sand, so don’t go to the beach unless you can assure there will be sufficient shade.

If you have a pool in your backyard, supervise your pets as you would supervise children to avoid accidental drownings.

Celebration Veterinary Hospital is here to help you keep your pet happy and healthy, so contact us to give you specific advice.