Thoroughly examined: PETA expert gives tips on proper oral care for dogs and cats
Animal rights organization advises vegan chewing bones in the debate about “werewolf syndrome”.
Stuttgart. Healthy mouth: As with humans, regular dental checks and care are also essential for dogs and cats. Dental problems in animals can occur acutely, for example due to accidents, but can also develop gradually. Because of good care, nutrition and medical care, dogs and cats are now living significantly longer than their ancestors. Since self-cleaning your teeth is often not enough, it is important that pet owners support their pets with oral hygiene as needed. The condition of the teeth not only influences well-being and problem-free eating, but is also directly related to the health of organs such as the heart, kidneys and the sensitive vascular system. PETA specialist Lisa Redegeld explains how people recognize dental problems in dogs and cats and what optimal cleaning looks like.
“An unkempt set of teeth can not only cause pain for animals, but can also cause significant health problems. Regular dental care and check-ups – from a certain age including a dental x-ray – are therefore essential to keep the gums, teeth and the entire organism healthy in the long term,” says Lisa Redegeld. “With patience and empathy, pet owners can gently guide their dogs and cats to their ideal condition Get used to oral hygiene and thus contribute to the well-being of the animals.”
Why taking care of your teeth is so important
Dental disease begins with the formation of plaque that accumulates on the surface of the teeth. These so-called plaques consist of food residues, bacteria and their metabolic products. Due to the storage of salts from the saliva, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar – the consequences are painful inflammation and even tooth loss. Untreated tartar poses a danger to the entire body. The billions of bacteria contained in plaque and tartar permanently penetrate the organism and can not only attack the immune system, but also damage the entire organ system.
This is how pet owners recognize dental problems
- Changes in eating and chewing behavior caused by pain: The animals avoid eating hard food or refuse to eat it completely.
- Bad smelling breath.
- Visible, mostly yellowish-brownish deposits on the teeth (tartar).
- Noticeably reddened gum line (gum inflammation).
- Bleeding gums.
- Tooth loss.
- Weight loss and possible digestive disorders.
- Shake your head.
- Rubbing and scratching his mouth with his paws.
- Fatigue and reduced enjoyment of life.
People with animals should ensure that the dental status of all 42 dog or all 30 cat teeth is checked during the annual routine examination in the veterinary practice. This means that intervention can be carried out as early as possible to help the animals and protect their health.
Important tips for proper dental care
- Brushing your teeth: Even if it seems to take some getting used to, regular brushing of the teeth is the most important part of good oral hygiene for dogs and cats. It is best to start cleaning training in a playful way when you are a baby. With a lot of patience and caution, even an adult animal can get used to the daily ritual.
- For brushing your teeth We recommend special animal toothbrushes that are shaped so that all corners of the oral cavity can be reached more easily. Equally important are special toothpastes that animals can swallow safely – the market offers herbal, good-tasting versions. Some animal lovers swear by so-called finger toothbrushes, which are attached to the index finger and make it easier to use.
- If your four-legged friends can't get used to brushing their teeth, The important professional teeth cleaning under anesthesia should be left to a veterinarian. Regular check-ups are absolutely necessary. For animals under five years of age, a check-up once a year is sufficient. For older animals, check-ups should be carried out at shorter intervals.
- Chew: It makes sense to regularly offer animals chewing treats – there are numerous animal-friendly snacks such as vegan chewing bones. The mechanical chewing process removes plaque, massages the gums, and deposits that lead to tartar form much more slowly. However, dogs should never be left alone with chewing items as they can choke on them. Too many chews at once can lead to constipation. Danger: Reports bring neurological disorders – the so-called “Werewolf Syndrome” – in dogs with certain chewing bones made from cowhide. Symptoms include sudden behavioral changes and severe health impairments. PETA strongly advises people to avoid products of animal origin. Vegan alternatives are not only the more ethical choice, but also the significantly safer choice to ensure the health of animal companions.
- Caution: The so-called FORL disease occurs in every second cat over the age of five (Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions) which leads to extremely painful tooth damage and can often only be detected with a check-up x-ray. Pet owners must ensure that their veterinary practice carries out an appropriate examination if there is any suspicion.
Photos © PETA