Dental care isn’t just important for you and your family. If you’re a pet owner, you should know how to care for your pets’ teeth, too. Every animal has its own special dental care requirements, from horses to cats.

Dogs

Just like you, your dog requires frequent dental cleanings. While dogs can maintain their dental health by chewing on rawhide bones, you must brush your dogs’ teeth in order to make sure that their teeth are bacteria-free. It may be hard and messy to brush your dog’s teeth a few times a week (ideally daily), but the few minutes of aggravation can save you a fortune on vet bills in the future.

Without brushing, dogs can develop painful periodontal disease that can lead to tooth loss. Be sure to buy dog-friendly toothbrushes and toothpaste, since ingredients in human toothpaste can be harmful to your dogs’ health.

Cats

Similarly to dogs, cats are also susceptible to painful dental diseases without proper dental care. Regular brushing can help keep your cats’ teeth and gums healthy. Human toothpaste is toxic to cats, so be sure to buy cat-friendly toothpaste and introduce brushing to your cat as soon as you can to prevent too much fuss in the future. Yes, cats can actually enjoy getting their teeth brushed!

Horses

Did you know that you can tell what a horse’s age is by its teeth? That is because a horse’s teeth actually continue to change shape throughout its life. Sometimes, their teeth form sharp edges that require filing in a practice known as floating. It is important for a horse to have its teeth floated annually, especially if your horse eats a diet of soft foods like hay or alfalfa or foods that can actually wear down teeth like grass.

Whether you have a dog, a cat, or a horse, you should always consult a veterinarian at least a couple of times a year to make sure that you are properly caring for your pets’ oral health. Remember, it is also important to get dental cleanings for yourself twice a year. At Signature Smiles Dental, we offer a wide range of services to keep you and your family’s oral health in top shape.