We all have been told to brush and floss our human teeth more often than we probably do.  Humans have a choice to attend to our dental health, or not. Our pets do not have the same choices; only the choices we make for them.

Dental disease is the #1 medical problem diagnosed by veterinarians. By the age of two 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have dental issues.  Small dogs are more at risk; at one year old 30% of small dogs are showing signs of bone loss.  Our dogs and cats age much faster than humans and are affected more rapidly by gingivitis and dental disease.  Like in humans dental disease can lead to serious heart, kidney and liver diseases and immune system disorders.  These risks can be reversed with proper management.

Without proper attention, dental issues like plaque build up and gingivitis can quickly lead to a more serious, painful and less manageable dental conditions called periodontitis and/or resorptive lesions. Prevention involves more than brushing your pets teeth (with a non-toxic tooth paste made specifically for pets; as human tooth paste can be harmful to pets) and providing appropriate chewing opportunities.

Reducing the carbohydrate intake of your pet will improve their dental condition.  Most dogs and cats consume five to twenty times the amount of carbohydrates than what is biologically appropriate or healthy.  Biologically appropriate and healthy chewing opportunities are the part of the solution. The greatest impact on oral health for dogs and cats is nutrition.

Diets rich with antioxidants and micronutrients are the ultimate solution for preventing plague build up in cats and dogs.   

To learn more about preventive,  biologically appropriate healthy chews, diets rich with antioxidants & micronutrients and preventative supplements visit any What’s In The Bowl Pet Shop location.