The Best Way to Take Care of Your Dog's, Cat's, or Pig's Teeth
Although they’re often forgotten and overlooked, pets’ teeth need regular care and attention, too! Just like humans, pets can face some pretty painful and even life-threatening health problems when they don’t receive proper dental care. This includes caring for your pet’s teeth at home and scheduling professional dental exams with a veterinarian. Whether you have a cat, dog, or pig, keep reading to learn more about providing them with proper pet dental care.
Pet Dental Care for Dogs and Cats
Cats and dogs need a combination of at-home care and professional dental exams to keep their teeth healthy. We recommend providing dogs and cats with species-specific dental-friendly toys and treats. You should also get in the habit of brushing your pet’s teeth with a special toothbrush and toothpaste that’s formulated and flavored to be safe for cats and dogs.
Our veterinarian will visually examine your pet’s teeth at every wellness appointment, and we’ll help you determine when or if it’s appropriate to schedule a professional cleaning and exam.
Pet Dental Care for Pigs
Pigs benefit from regular dental care, but their routines differ a bit from those of dogs, cats, and humans. We recommend brushing your pet’s teeth with fluoride-free toothpaste. Toothpaste formulated for cats, dogs, or even for toddlers is usually acceptable for use on pigs. Our veterinarian can help you select a good toothpaste for yours.
Piglet Teeth
Piglets have needle-sharp teeth that are usually trimmed by a breeder before a pig is sent home. Once your piglet’s teeth have been trimmed, we recommend training your pig to be comfortable with you inspecting and brushing its teeth by introducing the toothbrush and starting to touch your pig’s mouth and teeth at an early age.
Tusks
Both male and female pigs grow tusks. Growth is fueled by testosterone, so the tusks of intact male pigs will grow more quickly and prominently than those of other pigs. Once your pig’s tusks come in, our veterinarian can recommend a tusk maintenance plan for your pig, as we don’t advise surgical removal.
Large and Small Pet Dental Exams in Tucson
Whether you have companion pets, horses, or livestock, our Tucson veterinarians can help you make sure all their teeth stay healthy. To learn more about caring for your pets’ teeth – no matter what kind of pets they might be – contact Adobe Veterinary Center to schedule a dental exam today.
