Pet Dental Care Tips from Our Local Concord, CA, Animal Hospital

Although oral health is critical to your pet's overall wellbeing, 70% of cats and 80% of dogs over three years old have dental disease. This makes dental problems the most common health issue in our pets. If you are in the Concord, CA, area and want to properly care for your pet's teeth, we here at Alpine Veterinary Hospital team are here for all your pet dental care needs. However, not all pet dental care requires a trip to the vet! Here are a few tips for keeping up with your animal’s dental care at home.

Schedule an Annual Dental Cleaning

Prevention is often the best medicine, and it certainly is for your pet's oral health. Preventive care should include a comprehensive dental exam as part of the annual wellness exam. The dental component should include a physical examination of your pet's mouth and head, X-rays, and a dental cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from under the gums. Generally, your pet is anesthetized for the procedure to avoid stress and allow the vet to perform the dental cleaning thoroughly.

Brush Your Pet's Teeth Daily

Although it can take time, training your pet to accept daily brushing is critical to at-home dental health. Using pet-specific toothpaste and a toothbrush reduces tartar and plaque buildup to prevent periodontal disease.

If It's Too Hard for You to Chew On, It's Too Hard for Your Pet

Companies market bones, bully sticks, antlers, and other hard items for pets despite the fact they cause dental fractures and oral injuries. Avoid giving your animal hard objects to chew on. Instead, offer your pet rubber or nylon toys that promote safe chewing. These long-lasting toys scrape plaque from pets' teeth and are durable. Rubber or nylon toys are a win for your wallet and your pet.

Give Your Pet Dental Treats

Pets receive value from dental treats that clean their teeth and include ingredients that promote overall health. Dental treats help with oral hygiene. The best treats are those with crunchy surfaces your pet cannot swallow without chewing thoroughly to help remove plaque. Ask our veterinarian for product recommendations.

Obtaining Dental Care at Alpine Veterinary Hospital

If you live in the Concord, CA, area and are looking for a vet near you, the Alpine Veterinary Hospital team offers complete veterinary dental care services and more. Contact us for a pet dental cleaning, oral examination, wellness check, or more!