Effective Brushing Guide: How to Clean Your Pet's Paws

Recently, our fluffy little dog has lost a tooth, and it's been a daily ritual to keep an eye on his dental health. One rainy day, my husband, Rain Dad, suddenly asked me, "Did you know dogs can have dental problems too?" It struck me then that many people may not have given much thought to the dental health of their pets, nor are they aware of its importance. So, this time, I want to take the time to delve into the intricacies of pet dental care.

Firstly, let's get scientific for a moment. Many pets start to develop serious dental issues as early as 3 to 4 years old, and by the time they visit the vet, the problems are already quite severe.

Dogs and cats have two sets of teeth: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Baby teeth typically emerge between 3 to 6 weeks of age. By around 3 months, permanent teeth begin to come in, replacing the baby teeth. The first premolar (what humans call the canine tooth) and molars (what humans call the molar) do not have a deciduous counterpart and emerge directly without a replacement process.

As permanent teeth emerge, the roots of the baby teeth are absorbed by surrounding tissues, and the baby teeth eventually fall out. This process usually completes around 6 months of age in dogs and cats. If you notice a tooth only half emerged, don't worry; it's a normal part of the teething process.

Two Common Misconceptions About Feeding Pets

1. "Cats and dogs can clean their teeth with dry food" and "Pets don't need to brush their teeth if they eat dry food."

Let's take cats as an example: Their sharp canines are perfect for tearing meat off their prey, but as natural hunters, cats' teeth are not designed to grind food. Their tiny incisors can help chop food, but they can't grind it into smaller pieces. Essentially, cats' teeth can only open and close like scissors, without a flat surface for chewing. Therefore, a piece of kibble only makes contact with the teeth 1 to 2 times before being swallowed, and there's no opportunity for the teeth to clean themselves through friction. Most dry foods contain a lot of carbohydrates, which can actually lead to bacterial growth.

Dogs are similar to cats; the contact between dog food and teeth is very limited, and there's only a small amount of friction, so dry dog food does not effectively clean the teeth.

2. "Don't feed cats and dogs canned wet food; it's bad for their teeth."

Canned and wet foods are mostly liquid due to their high water content, making it easier for food particles to stick in the crevices of the teeth. If not cleaned regularly, this can lead to tooth decay. However, from a nutritional standpoint, especially for obligate carnivores like cats, many dry foods do not contain enough meat to meet their dietary needs, so canned meat becomes a necessity.

In summary, whether dry or wet, pets will have food residue in their mouths every time they eat. Over time, this can lead to a buildup of bacteria, which can cause tartar, also known as dental plaque. Tartar, combined with calcium in saliva, forms calculus, a hard, yellowishbrown substance that accumulates on the teeth. These substances harbor a lot of bacteria that can cause gingivitis, periodontitis, and other problems, leading to bad breath, drooling, bleeding, and difficulty eating in dogs and cats. If these bacteria enter the bloodstream through capillaries, they can quickly be transported to the heart, leading to heart disease and sepsis.

Not to alarm you, but I've encountered an adult cat as young as one year old suffering from stomatitis, which required fullmouth extraction. It was a painful process for both the cat and the owner. Please take this seriously; scientific pet care and dental health should not be overlooked. My friends know that as a lazy pet owner, if I say this issue is worth paying attention to, it really affects health.

What are some common dental problems?

1. Bad breath in cats, which is easy to notice during daily interactions.

2. Gingival bleeding, which can be detected by opening your pet's mouth at the right time.

3. Plaque, which is evident when you notice the teeth are not clean and have turned yellow.

4. Calculus, which forms when plaque is left on the teeth for a long time, turning into a hard, yellowishbrown substance that can lead to loose teeth and even tooth loss, as well as serious internal organ problems like the liver and kidneys.

5. Periodontal disease, characterized by red and swollen gums, foul odors in the mouth, and foreign bodies in the mouth. Pets may stick out their tongues frequently, have more saliva, and lose their appetite, leading to weight loss.

How to Care for Your Pet's Teeth Daily?

1. Diet: For puppies and kittens, it's important not to let them eat soft food for too long. You don't need to worry about them not being able to chew. Around 3 to 4 months of age, switch to hard food to meet their needs for teething and grinding.

2. Brushing: Clean your pet's teeth once a week with petspecific toothbrushes and toothpaste. Simply wet the brush and apply the toothpaste. This process can be challenging, so it's recommended to watch online tutorials and be patient. Here are some simple tips for brushing, which I've summarized for you. Please read and practice them repeatedly, and I wish you all the best!

Before using the toothpaste, comfort your dog or cat and get them used to you touching their mouth, including lifting the lip or using your fingers to touch their teeth. If there's a risk of being bitten, you'll need to address this behavior issue through daily training before you can start brushing.

Then, apply the toothpaste to a finger brush or toothbrush, hold it under their nose, and let them get used to the taste. Most dogs will enjoy the taste and actively try to eat the toothpaste, but cats may resist. Oh well, that's all I have to say about cats; it seems like it's not very useful for them!

3. Dental Aids: You can give your dog bones designed for dental cleaning to clean their mouth, as the hard bones can scrub the teeth. Hard biscuits, dry food, or specially made "pet toys" can also be used for play and to help clean the teeth. Dental rinses, tooth powders, and dental treats are suitable for daily care, especially for lazy pet owners like me. They're convenient but can be a bit costly!

4. Professional Cleaning: If your cat or dog has a lot of calculus, it's best to have them checked by a vet and then receive a thorough dental cleaning. Once the teeth are clean, continue with daily care.

According to statistics from a Taipei pet hospital, 85% of cats and dogs over 3 years old have some degree of dental disease, with nearly half suffering irreversible damage. If you ignore your pet's oral care, they may face a series of dental problems as they age. Good teeth lead to good appetite, and a healthy body. May every little one have a set of healthy, white teeth. Let's fight for our pets' health!