Feeding your senior cat We brush our own teeth twice a day yet we still go to the dentist every 6 months for a check up. Brushing your cat’s teeth is more difficult to do but it’s still really important to keep a regular check on the state of their mouth, especially as he or she gets older. Gum disease is actually one of the most common problems that vets see. The problems begin when plaque and tartar build up on your cat’s teeth. Plaque harbours bacteria which can infect gum tissue and the roots of teeth, making the mouth sore, causing disease and tooth loss. The bacteria can also enter the blood stream and may cause damage to internal organs. Why looking after your senior cat’s teeth is so important • Liver, kidney and heart disease – dental infections may lead to these diseases if left untreated • Shortened life expectancy – poor dental health can shorten the life of your pet • Bad breath – a result of neglected teeth and gums • Unpleasant looking teeth – teeth can look nasty and harbour bacteria • Weight loss – bad teeth and infected gums can lead to a reduced appetite Some tips to keep your cat’s teeth tip top! • A nutritious diet – the right diet can make all the difference to your pet’s teeth. The team at your local Vets4Pets will be more than happy to help you choose the best diet for your cat. • Regular tooth brushing at home. Click here for our tips on brushing your cat’s teeth. Dont forget a yearly dental checkup with your veterinary surgeon Doing your best to ensure that your cat receives the proper diet and regular brushing at home will help maintain teeth and gums in top condition. However, to provide optimum dental care at home, you need to start with a clean bill of dental health and thats where your cats veterinary surgeon comes in. The vet will give your pet a thorough examination of the entire oral cavity to determine whether there are any underlying problems and, especially important, tartar build-up. Brushing removes plaque but not tartar, so if your pets teeth do have tartar, your veterinary surgeon 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 veterinary surgeon will provide you with instructions for home care and follow-up. For peace of mind for you and your pet, why not book a £25 senior pet health check with a Vets4Pets vet today? And if we do recommend any treatment as a result of the health check well put the £25 you’ve already paid towards the cost of it. Not only that, but the health check also includes 50% off a bag of senior cat food!
Posted on: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 15:56:09 +0000
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