Q: What is the best way to keep dentistry costs down?
A: Wow! What a great question. I will always recommend that pet parents brush their pet's teeth daily; however many pet owners will say it is not possible. But, with proper training most companion pets tolerate it quite well.
Additionally, there are products that pet parents can purchase to help maintain their pet's oral care, which include: dental diets, vitamins and supplements, treats and chews, and water additives. Please note that not all are created equal. Luckily, there is a website that pet parents can visit that provides a list of pet oral care products that are approved by veterinary dental specialists. This website is called the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). But,beware! Using these products does not mean you will not need to provide professional dental care. Annual dental cleanings with your veterinarian will always be the highest standard of oral health care; however the use of these products can help lenghten the time between professional care in the same way brushing, flossing, and mouthwash does for us.
If you are just too bust or cannot manage the toothbrush training, simply explain to your veterinarian that you are unable to brush, but want to be proactive about your pet's oral care. Your veterinarian will be able to determine the best time to have your pet's teeth professionally cleaned and accessed before dental disease sets in. Ultimately, providing preventative dental care is the least costly and safest way to protect your pet's mouth.
With that said, I understand that many pet parents put off providing dental care because they are fearful of having their special friends put under anesthesia. I certainly understand that! But, I think it is important for pet parents to know that a quick anesthestic experience for preventative oral care is much safer than the long anesthestic procedures that are necessary once dental disease sets in. Those long anesthestic experiences can be very costly.
Febraury is National Pet Dental Health Month, and we've partnered with PetED Veterinary Education and Training Resources to provide pet parents with a pet dental education webinar! Once you view the short series of videos, you can print a REWARD coupon which takes 10% OFF your pet's next dentistry. The special password for February is toothinfo0217. Enjoy!
Have a question about your pet's oral health, like which oral health products are better for your pet, or how often you should brush your pet's teeth? Ask Vickie! Vickie Byard, CVT, VTS (Dentistry), CVJ will be answering some of your most pressing pet oral health questions on this monthly blog segment: Ask Vickie!
Want to submit a question to Ask Vickie?
Email your question to socialmedia@rauanimalhospital.com! Be sure the subject line is...you guessed it ? Ask Vickie!