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American Veterinary Center
Happier & Healthier Pets |
30-
El Gezira EL Wosta Street
Zamalik , Cairo, Egypt. 11211
Tel .# 02 27376664
Mob.# 016 8877005 |
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Visit
Us Today
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 Your
pet counts on you for protection
With major advances in treating serious
infectious and other pet diseases, oral disease –most importantly
periodontal or gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque and
tartar– has become the number-one health problem for dogs. It’s
estimated that without proper dental care 80% of dogs will show
signs of oral disease by age three. With your help, your pets can
have healthy teeth and gums throughout their lives.
You simply need to provide them with a
few things:
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A nutritious diet |
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Chew treats recommended by a
veterinarian |
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Regular brushing at home |
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Yearly dental checkups by a
veterinarian |
Good dental health begins with
the proper diet
The wrong kinds of food can cause dental
distress in pets. Feeding your dog a dry food rather than a moist,
canned one will, through its mild abrasive action on the teeth, help
remove the bacterial plaque that can harden into tartar. Dry food
also provides adequate chewing exercise and gum stimulation. Avoid
giving your pet sweets and table scraps as they may also increase
plaque and tartar formation. Your vet may recommend the use of
special dry foods designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup,
especially if your pet is prone to dental problems due to his breed
or individual genetic history.
Brushing your pet’s teeth
Dogs need to have their teeth brushed in
order to eliminate the dental plaque that can cause tooth decay and
the formation of tartar, which can lead to gum disease. You should
begin a regular, daily brushing routine when your puppy is between
six and eight weeks of age. Even older dogs can be trained to accept
having their teeth brushed. You simply need to introduce the
activity gradually and make the experience a positive one for your
pet. Reassure and praise him profusely throughout the process and
reward him with a very special treat when it’s finished. Here’s how
it can be done:
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Phase 1
Start by dipping a finger in beef
bouillon for dogs. Rub this finger gently over your pet’s
gums and one or two teeth. Repeat until your pet seems
fairly comfortable with this activity. |
Phase 2
Gradually, introduce a
gauze-covered finger and gently scrub the teeth with a
circular motion. |
Phase 3
Then, you can begin to use a
toothbrush, either an ultra-soft model designed for people
or a special pet tooth-brush or finger brush, which is a
rubber finger covering with a small brush built in at its
tip. |
Phase 4
Finally, once your pet is used to
brushing, introduce the use of pet toothpaste in liquid or
paste form. Most of these contain chlorhexidine or stannous
fluoride—ask your veterinarian for his recommendations.
Don’t use human toothpaste, as it can upset your pet’s
stomach. Your vet may also advise the use of an antiseptic
spray or rinse after brushing. |
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Don't forget a yearly
dental checkup
Doing your best to ensure that your dog
receives the proper diet and regular brushing at home will help
maintain his or her teeth and gums in top condition. To provide
optimum dental care at home, you need to start with a clean bill of
dental health. That’s where your pet’s veterinarian comes in.
He or she will give your pet a thorough examination of the entire
oral cavity to determine whether there are any underlying problems
and, especially important, tartar buildup. Brushing removes plaque
but not tartar, so if your pet’s teeth do have tartar, your
veterinarian will have to remove it with a professional cleaning and
polishing, usually accomplished under anaesthesia. After removing
the tartar above and below the gum line, your veterinarian may treat
your pet’s teeth with fluoride and will provide you with
instructions for home care and follow-up.
A few tips:
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Chew treats, including hard
meat-protein biscuits and rawhide chews for dogs, can help
remove plaque, and provide stimulation for the gums. |
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Watch out for wood—throwing sticks to
dogs can result in splinters and gum damage. |
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Don’t let your pet chew on hard materials
like bones or stones. They can wear down, even break teeth,
damage gums and lead to infection. |
A few statistics:
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Puppies develop their deciduous teeth at
2 weeks of age, with their 42 permanent teeth starting to appear
at 3 months. |
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We understand that
your pet is a very special member of your family. |
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