As we continue our focus on Dental Month this August, we shift our attention to a crucial aspect of pet care: starting early with dental hygiene.
The current statistics show that by the age of 3, over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats exhibit some form of dental disease.
Starting a dental care routine for your pet early on can save you both heartache and money in the long run. At Number 1 (Australia), we're dedicated to making at-home care simple and effective for pet owners who prefer a more natural approach to pet care. Here are some tips and product recommendations to get you started on the right paw.
The Importance of Early Dental Care
Neglecting your pet’s dental health can lead to many problems, including bad breath, painful infections, and more serious issues such as heart, liver, and kidney disease. Starting a dental care routine early not only helps prevent these issues but also makes your pet more comfortable with the process, reducing stress for both you and your pet.
Many pet owners wait until their pets are over the age of 3 to start thinking about dental care, but we know this is too late! We recommend starting from the moment you bring your puppy or kitten home and making dental care a regular part of your routine.
Tips for At-Home Dental Care
Start with a Routine:
Begin the introduction of a soft-bristled toothbrush or finger brush. You can delay introducing toothpaste when your pet is still a baby, ensuring they are first comfortable with having their mouths handled. Make it a positive experience by offering treats and plenty of praise. Later you can slowly and incrementally start introducing a pet safe toothpaste. At Number 1 we prefer chemical free and natural like Shy Tiger Clean + Soothe Natural Toothpaste.
Healthy Diet:
Provide a balanced diet that supports dental health. High-carb diets, especially those containing refined carbohydrates and sugars, can lead to increased plaque formation. Bacteria in the mouth feed on these sugars, producing acids that contribute to plaque buildup on the teeth.
Dental Chews:
Bell & Bone now have dental sticks crafted specifically for puppies! Introduce from 10 weeks of age, They are a great way to start incorporating dental sticks into your routine from a young age and change over to the adult range from 6 months of age.
Natural Chewing:
Research has also explored the benefits of natural chewing materials, such as raw bones and certain types of natural air-dried chews, in maintaining dental health. Chewing is a natural and beneficial behaviour for pets that can significantly enhance their oral health when supported with appropriate products and monitoring.
The Pet Project offers fantastic natural, long-lasting chews that serve as single-protein treats and effective dental aids. These chews are made without any additional ingredients, including carbohydrates. For young puppies we love to stuff their Beef tubes with ZIWI canned food and freeze for the ultimate boredom buster that is good for them!
Regular Check-ups:
Even if your pup’s teeth look healthy, a professional oral examination is the only way to detect early signs of disease. Schedule a dental check-up with your vet every 6-12 months.
Meal Supplements: As simple as a sprinkle per day!
From 6 months of age, one of the easiest at home dental care options is simply adding a dental supplement containing Ascophyllum Nodosum to your pet's meal daily. Shy Tiger have just launched their new supplement Shy Tiger Clean + Soothe Natural Oral Supplement: This product combines Ascophyllum Nodosum and two other potent plant extracts to provide a safe and effective way to enhance your pet's (yes it is safe for cats too) oral health. Simply mix it into your pet’s food each day, and you’ll soon notice fresher breath and healthier teeth and gums. It works wonders on its own or alongside the Shy Tiger natural toothpaste. Here is more from the products formulator Dr Nicole Rous in the video below:
At Number 1 (Australia), we are here to support you in providing the best care for your pets. We hope these tips and product recommendations make starting at-home dental care easier and more effective. Feel free to share this blog post on your social media pages to help educate and support pet owners in their journey to better pet health.
Stay tuned for next month’s post which will be focused on anxiety in pets and natural ways that you can help support them at home.
Logan, E.I., & Finney, O.C. (2006). The Effects of Carbohydrates on Dental Health in Dogs and Cats. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry.
Niemiec, B.A. (2008). Veterinary Periodontology. John Wiley & Sons.
Harvey, C.E. (1998). Periodontal Disease in Dogs: Etiopathogenesis, Prevalence, and Significance. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice.
Comments