Tooth-Saving Tips from Your Las Vegas Veterinarian

It would be nice if cats could be trained to care for their own teeth, but that task falls to the owner and the cat veterinarian. Here are some essential dental tips to remember, courtesy of All About Cats Veterinary Hospital:

• Learn how to perform oral assessments at home and keep an eye out for signs of oral pain. If your cat makes new strange gestures with its head while chewing, has started to drool, has unusually bad breath, or has gums that bleed, an infection within the mouth may be the culprit. The presence of pus, swelling or strange lumps around the mouth or neck should prompt a visit to our cat veterinarian.
• Practice home dental hygiene. You can brush you cats teeth much as you might brush a babys teeth -- in fact, you can even use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for human babies. You must use toothpastes formulated for cats, but fortunately they come in meat flavors that appeal to felines. Regular brushing can help reduce of buildup of plaque before it hardens into tartar. If your cat refuses brushings, we can recommend special foods that help keep the teeth cleaner than traditional dry cat foods or treats that are formulated to decrease plaque formation.
• Schedule annual dental evaluations and cleanings. Our cat-friendly clinic can identify and treat tooth or gum conditions the average pet owner might never notice. Professional cleaning methods also remove stubborn tartar, which is a food source for bacteria along the gumline.
• Pay special attention to senior cats. As your cat ages, he or she may develop holes in his teeth known as cat cavities (actually the resorption of enamel) or other dental issues that may cause tooth loss. We recommend bringing your cat in more than once a year after your pet reaches  eleven years old. 

Visit Our Cat Veterinary Hospital

Do you brush your cats teeth? How does he react to brushings?