Do you know how tartar occurs in dogs and cats and how to prevent it? This is an extremely important subject if you want to provide your pet with all the necessary care. So read on and find out all about it in the following topics.
- What is tartar and what causes it?
- Tips on how to prevent and treat
What is tartar and what causes it?
Tartar in dogs and cats starts with the formation of bacterial plaque, which is the result of feeding. After all, there are always residues of pet food and other foods on their teeth and gums. These residues stimulate the appearance of a large amount of bacteria in the mouth.
As a result, a type of film begins to form on the teeth, called plaque. It's important to note that plaque is invisible to the naked eye. Therefore, when this film is not removed, tartar begins to appear.
In addition, when it comes into contact with the animal's saliva, which is rich in minerals, it calcifies. As a result, it becomes a hard yellowish or even brownish crust. It mainly develops near the gum line.
Also called dental calculus, tartar usually causes the gums to become inflamed and recede. This creates a space between the tooth and the gum through which bacteria can easily pass.
They, in turn, can travel through the vessels and even reach the heart. If this happens, your pet could fall victim to bacterial endocarditis, which, if severe, could lead to death.
Tips on how to prevent tartar in cats and dogs
The good news is that tartar can be prevented in dogs and cats. The first recommendation is to brush your pet's teeth. Although this may seem like a difficult task, with the necessary care they will get used to it and you can guarantee their well-being and oral health.
Brushing is the most effective way of preventing plaque and, consequently, the formation of tartar, as it prevents bacteria from attaching themselves to tooth enamel. Another important detail is that plaque begins to appear within two days of eating.
This indicates brushing pets' teeth regularly. One way to make the task easier is to get them used to brushing from a young age.
Another way to ensure your pet's oral health is with a solution for oral hygiene, such as Dental Splash. This product can be diluted in the water your pet drinks, making it very easy to ingest.
Its advantage lies in the fact that it controls the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth, reducing the formation of plaque, which also helps to prevent bad breath.
To prevent tartar, it is essential to use quality products, such as those from Soft Care Odonto Line.
Soft Care has a channel for veterinarians to learn about its products, the SAC - Customer Service.
