Dr. Halligan On Dental Care
Q: Doc Halligan, a vet recommended a dental treatment plan for our dog, Rocco, to the tune of $600! Ouch. We don’t have pet insurance and didn’t budget for this unexpected expense. We went ahead with the treatment, but what can we do to help keep Rocco’s teeth healthy and avoid the high price tag next time?
A: Dental disease is the number one health problem diagnosed among dogs and cats. Gum disease follows the same path in pets as it does in people, and it can be painful. Just think how your mouth would feel if you never brushed your own teeth!
During my 30-plus years as a veterinarian, I have examined dogs and cats with tartar buildup so thick that it is literally the only thing holding the teeth in the sockets. When the tartar is finally removed, the teeth fall out. To make matters worse, years of chronic bacteria gets released into the bloodstream, wreaking havoc on internal organs such as the heart, liver, lungs, brain, and kidneys, eventually leading to premature organ failure.
An average-size dog that has its teeth brushed every other day can live to be 15 to 17 years old; that same dog without any dental care will only live to be 11 to 13 years old. So if you haven't been taking care of your pet's teeth on a regular basis there is a good chance that your pet already has some form of dental disease including bad breath, brown spots and red, inflamed gums. Stop right now and check your pet's teeth. You might be surprised by what you see.
Dental disease is preventable. Here is what you can do in between dental treatments.
- There are sprays and gels available that can be easily applied to the tooth and gum surfaces. In addition, water additives are available that can be effective in reducing plaque buildup.
- In lieu of a toothbrush and toothpaste, you can opt for dental pads or wipes to wrap around your finger and brush the teeth.
- There are different chew toys and treats for your pet to gnaw on that simulate brushing. These include chew strips, rawhides, dental bones, and rubber chew toys. Some manufacturers add tartar-reducing enzymes to these products to help further prevent plaque buildup.
- Diets are now available that can help reduce the formation of plaque deposits. These special foods have abrasive particles that will help mechanically remove plaque.
By taking your pet for professional dental cleanings as recommended by your veterinarian and checking your pet’s teeth on a weekly basis, you can keep its teeth shiny and healthy for years to come.
Karen “Doc” Halligan, DVM
Renowned veterinarian, author, and celebrity spokesperson Karen “Doc” Halligan has developed a distinguished veterinary medical career while establishing herself as a national authority on animals. With more than 34 years’ experience, she was a sought-after pet health expert and featured spokesperson in the media during the pet-food recall crisis and provided veterinary care at ground zero in Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and in Texas following Hurricane Harvey.
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