The number one health problem in adult cats and dogs is not obesity, disease or parasites, though these problems get a lot of publicity.
Surprisingly, the number one health problem is oral disease, including gum disease. According to Hills Pet Nutrition Inc., and the American Veterinary Dental Society, caring for pet's teeth is a frequently overlooked area of pet care. Yet, oral disease is a very common problem. Studies show that by age three 80 percent of dogs have signs of gum disease and 70 percent of cats show symptoms.
Gum disease in animals is characterized by yellow and brown buildup of tartar along the gumline, red inflamed gums and bad breath.
A dog's 42 permanent teeth and a cat's 30 permanent teeth can be maintained by, you guessed it, brushing. It's best to start brushing your animal's teeth early, but starting anytime will have some benefits. Experts advise you to put beef broth (for dogs) or tuna water (for cats) on your finger and rub the pet's mouth to get them used to having their teeth touched. Gradually work up to using a toothbrush or special finger brush with pet toothpaste on it. Never use a human toothpaste. It will upset the pet's digestive system.
Experts also advise feeding your pet only pet food. Table scraps can increase tartar and plaque buildup. Most animals don't get cavities, but this is primarily because they do not get sugary treats. However, veterinarians have noticed cavities in animals whose owners feed them sweets. Not only are sweets bad for an animal's teeth, they can also upset a pet's nutritional balance.
Keep an eye on the toys you give your dog. Some chew toys, such as cow hooves, are very hard and can cause an animal's teeth to break. Tug games can pull out loose teeth. And beware of very hard toys that may cause a pet's teeth to break.
