Senior Pet Care Series - Dental Care Tips
Dr. Patrick Chong Pak Kin 2024-03-12

Any dentist will tell you that brushing after every meal, daily flossing, and biannual cleanings are crucial for optimal oral health. The same applies to our senior furry friends: both home care and veterinary care are essential for maintaining their oral cleanliness and health.


1、Dental diseases are one of the most common ailments in companion animals. Studies show that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats aged two years have periodontitis, with most senior animals suffering from severe pain and/or infection related to dental diseases daily.

2、Periodontal disease is fearsome because it not only occurs in the mouth but can lead to severe systemic bacterial diseases, endangering the overall health. It also causes continuous pain in older pets, affecting their health and quality of life.

3、Signs of dental pain may include:

● Excessive drooling

● Change in food preference: from hard to soft food

● Gulping down food without chewing

● Grinding teeth, especially in cats

● Tongue hanging out of the mouth

● Blood in the food or water bowl

● Bloody nasal discharge

● Rubbing the face or scratching it with paws

4、Regular home care is an important part of periodontal care, aimed at reducing the amount of bacterial plaque on teeth, decreasing gum inflammation, and ultimately preventing periodontal diseases.

Regular home care is divided into active and passive methods:

• Active methods require pet owner participation, such as brushing or rinsing, effective mainly for front teeth (incisors and canines).

• Passive methods usually involve chewing actions through treats or special diets, effective for back teeth (premolars and molars).

5、Tips for Brushing Teeth

Ideally, brushing should be done daily to prevent the formation of dental plaque. For senior pets diagnosed with periodontal disease, daily brushing is necessary to maintain oral health, and brushing twice a day may be recommended.

*Start early: Younger animals are more receptive to training.

*Don't rush: Initially, hold the pet's chin and let them lick off the toothpaste from the brush before gradually starting the brushing motion.

Owners are advised not to try opening the pet's mouth at the beginning of brushing. Try to effectively brush the cheek side with the mouth closed. Gently insert the brush on the cheek side to reach the back teeth. Over time, achieve the correct positioning and brushing technique.

*Persistence: Make brushing a learning behavior.

*Positive reinforcement: Using food, treats, or play as rewards greatly increases the chances of pets accepting brushing.

*Risk avoidance: During brushing, you might face the risk of being bitten. To open the mouth, first place the thumb of your dominant hand behind the lower canine teeth. This is the safest place for fingers inside the mouth.

Dental care for animals is a crucial part of preventive healthcare, where regular dental checkups and proper treatment help resolve infections, control pain, relieve suffering, and restore normal behavior in animals.

Concordia Senior Care Plan

A necessary annual health plan designed for senior cats and dogs, including 25 comprehensive checks to fully understand their health condition, develop a health improvement plan, and support the health of senior cats and dogs in their later years!

Special Offer: Enjoy a 10% discount on dental cleaning with the purchase of the Senior Pet Health Plan !

For appointments and consultations about the Senior Pet Plan, please contact 2679 1000 or send a message to WhatsApp 5980 2396, or click this link http://wassmee.us/w/?c=aa1ef7

If you want to book a Senior Care Plan for your pet, contact us by calling 2679 1000 or via WhatsApp at 5980 2396, or click to this link http://wassmee.us/w/?c=aa1ef7

Concordia Pet Care: LG & P1, No. 5-7, Blue Pool Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong.


Concordia pet care Pet health guardian
Online
booking