Like ours, senior pets’ teeth and gums get weaker. Pets that are getting older often have issues like bad breath, broken teeth, gum disease, or trouble eating. This is why taking care of their teeth is even more important for older pets.
Taking care of their teeth and gums keeps them busy, happy, and free of pain. You can keep their teeth from getting worse over time by doing small things every day. If you provide them with animal dental care and oral surgery on time, their teeth can stay strong and healthy for a long time.
Why Should You Focus On Your Senior Pet’s Dental Health?
As they get older, their teeth get worse
As cats get older, their gums may become more sensitive, and their teeth will naturally wear down. Older pets’ teeth get plaque and tartar faster because their immune systems aren’t as strong, which makes it harder for the body to fight off germs. This could lead to gum disease, cavities, and even painful illnesses.
You might not notice these issues at first, but they could cause your pet to stop eating or act differently. Taking care of your pet’s teeth early on can help keep them happy and stop problems from getting worse.
A bad mouth can make the whole body sick
Gum disease isn’t just in the mouth. Germs from sick lips or teeth in older cats can get into the blood and spread to important organs. Over time, this could damage the heart, liver, or kidneys. Older pets’ systems are already weaker, so if you don’t fix their teeth problems, they can get worse.
Dental care for dogs can help keep them healthy. Taking care of their teeth and gums helps their immune system, makes them feel better, and keeps them healthy and active for longer.
Dental pain can make their life less fun
Older pets may not show signs of pain, but problems with their teeth can make it hard to do everyday tasks. Eating tough foods, chewing on treats, or even playing with toys can hurt. They might stop eating or lose weight, and you won’t know why.
People who have tooth pain may also feel bad, which can make them grumpy or less active. If you keep your pet’s teeth healthy, they won’t have any pain in their daily life. If their teeth are healthy, they can stay happy and calm as they get older.
How to keep your pet’s teeth healthy as they get older?
Every day, brush their teeth
Brushing your pet’s teeth often is one of the best ways to keep plaque and tartar from building up on them. Use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste that is safe for pets. Don’t push them too hard at first, so they don’t get stressed. Brushing their teeth a few times a week can be very helpful.
Brushing their teeth every day gets rid of food particles, kills germs, and keeps their breath fresh. It also stops painful tooth problems in the long run. Be careful, especially if your pet’s gums hurt or their teeth are falling out.
Visit a dentist on a regular basis
A pet needs to see the vet more often because its teeth problems get worse faster as it gets older. A vet can check for gum disease, loose teeth, or other diseases that are hard to see. You should take them for a professional cleaning to get rid of deep tartar that brushing can’t reach.
Regular pet dental care in Norco helps you find problems early, before they get worse. This saves you money in the long run because early treatment is easier and costs less. Make sure to take your pet to the vet for checkups on a regular basis as part of their senior care.
Give toys and chews to help with teeth
These easy-to-use toys and chews will help keep your pet’s teeth clean while they chew. They keep lips healthy, stop plaque from forming, and make the muscles in their mouth stronger. Choose chews that are good for your pet’s age, especially if they are older and have weaker teeth.
It’s safer and more comfortable to chew on things that are soft or bendy. These treats also keep cats busy and happy. Chews should not be used instead of cleaning; they should only help with it. Always keep an eye on your pet to make sure it doesn’t choke or chew on things that are too hard for it.
Add-ons for dental water
Adding things to their dental water is an easy way to provide dental care for pets every day. All you have to do is add a little to your pet’s water bowl. These methods help get rid of germs, make their breath better, and slow down the growth of plaque.
They are great for older pets that don’t like to be brushed or eat hard treats. It’s okay to use water additives as long as the vet says it’s safe, but make sure to use the right amount. They work best when you take care of their teeth and go to the vet regularly.
Let them eat things that are good for their teeth
Some cat foods are made to help keep teeth clean by lowering the amount of plaque that builds up. These foods are made so that your pet’s teeth get cleaned gently while they chew.
If you don’t want your older pet to get hurt, you might need to give them softer kibble or a mix of wet and dry food. Talk to the vet about what food is best for your pet’s teeth based on its age and health. Giving older cats the right food helps their teeth stay healthy, lowers inflammation, and makes them healthier overall.
Conclusion
In the end, we need to take care of our older pets’ teeth and gums because they might not tell us they’re in pain until it gets worse. You can keep your older pet happy and busy by giving them simple daily care, using gentle products, and taking them to the vet for regular checkups.
If your pets have healthy teeth, they can eat better, feel better, and live a better life. The best way to get professional dental care and advice is to call Atlas Pet Hospital. They are a pet dental specialist in Norco.
