How to Prevent Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats

There are several different ways for preventing dental disease in dogs and cats.  The type of prevention you use is determined by the level of cooperation of your pet, convenience and severity of the dental disease.  Prevention should be started at a young age or immediately after a dental cleaning.  SAHO recommends the following products that can be picked up at either of our locations:

Good Prevention :

CET Dental Chews

These are dental chews made of beefhide that are treated with a Chlorhexidine solution.  Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic used to slow the growth of bacteria.

Pros:

  • Formulated to have a brushing effect when chewed
  • Helps keep bacteria at low levels
  • Tartar control
  • Plaque reduction
  • Helps fight bad breath
  • Easy to use – just give one a day as a treat

Cons:

  • Only effective if your pet is a good chewer
  • Cannot be used in pets with a beef allergy (uncommon)

Better Prevention :

Royal Canin Diets for Dogs under 23 pounds, Dogs over 23 pounds and Cats

These diets are specially designed for promotion of oral healthNutrients that help prevent plaque formation.

Pros:

  • Texture and shape of kibble produce gentle abrasive effect during chewing; provides a brushing effect to reduce plaque and calculus
  • Contains Sodium Tripolyphosphate which binds salivary Calcium, making it unavailable for formation of Calculus
  • Brushing effect
  • Tartar Control
  • Plaque reduction
  • Helps fight bad breath
  • Highly palatable
  • Complete Nutrition

Cons:

  • Cannot be used if patient is on any other prescription diet (can be used with Royal Canin Urinary S/O)
  • More expensive than non-prescription food but pays for itself in the long run

C.E.T. AquaDent Water Additive

Easy to use water additive that controls dental disease as your pet drinks.

Pros:

  • Reduces plaque
  • Helps keep bacteria at low level
  • Prevents tartar
  • Controls bad breath
  • Convenient

Cons:

  • Your pet may not drink the water

Best Prevention :

Teeth Brushing

Brushing your pets teeth is the BEST way to prevent dental disease.

Pros:

  • Reduces plaque
  • Prevents tartar
  • Tastes great
  • Controls bad breath
  • Great bonding tool for you and your pet

Cons:

  • Time consuming
  • Your pet may not cooperate

Click on each link to read more about each method of prevention.  Once you have read these you can call our Dental Nurse with any questions or you can schedule a complimentary dental prevention session where we will show you the different methods and demonstrate how to do them.  All of these products can be picked up at SAHO.