Month: May 2021

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Cleaning cat teeth

Cleaning cat teeth

Cleaning cat teeth and maintaining good oral health is likely to improve the quality of their life.

Cleaning cat teeth from an early age can help to prevent any problems. Cats are good at hiding signs of discomfort and pain and it can be difficult as their owner to know there is even a problem with their teeth.

A healthy cat’s teeth should be clean, white and free of any chipping. Their gums shouldn’t have any sores or lesions and should be pink and healthy without any redness, swelling or bleeding.

Signs of cat teeth problems include:

  • Reduced grooming activity
  • Discoloured teeth/ plaque & tartar build-up
  • Bad breath
  • Drooling
  • Discomfort
  • Pawing at mouth
  • Bleeding gums
  • Reduced appetite or weight loss

Kittens have 26 baby teeth, which are then replaced by 30 adult teeth by the age of six months. Cats use their teeth for catching prey and chewing food, as well as to defend themselves against other cats.

How to clean cat teeth

Brushing your cat’s teeth is a great way to avoid dental disease. Ideally you should introduce dental care from a young age, to get them used to having their teeth touched.

Here are some tips on how to clean cat teeth:

  • Ask your vet for advice on how to brush your cat’s teeth correctly.
  • Buy a specialised toothpaste for your cat. Never use human toothpaste.
  • Begin by putting your cat’s toothpaste on your finger and offering it to them to lick.
  • Be sure to buy a toothbrush that is designed for cats.
  • Choose a time of day you can stick to in order to make teeth brushing a part of your cat’s normal routine. Make sure you are calm and comfortable.
  • Slowly and gently pull back your cat’s lips and touch their teeth with the toothbrush, initially before soothing your cat. Repeat this daily for several days before starting to brush their teeth. Only start brushing when they are comfortable.
  • To brush their teeth, apply the bristles to the teeth at a 45-degree angle, reaching both the tooth surface and just beneath the gum margin.

Natural cat teeth plaque remover

Consider using a like Nutraplaque which is a completely natural sprinkle capsule that provides an advanced double action formula to help aid oral health and hygiene by systematically working against bad breath, tartar and plaque for healthy teeth and gums.

Nutraplaque is recommended by thousands of vets throughout the UK and Ireland as advanced support for healthy teeth, gums and breath odour in dogs and cats.

 

 

 

 

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What is dog plaque?

what is dog plaque

Dog plaque is a common concern and reason for pet owners to visit their vet.

Oral hygiene is an important part of dogs’ overall health and wellbeing. If your pet’s teeth aren’t kept clean, they can become coated in plaque, which may lead to dental problems.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. Bacteria in plaque produce acids after you eat or drink. These acids can destroy both enamel and cause cavities and gingivitis (gum disease). Plaque can also develop under the gums on tooth roots and break down the bones that support teeth.

Plaque is a colourless to pale yellow and when it is colourless it can be harder to detect, so it’s important to maintain dog dental care.

What causes dog plaque?

Plaque develops when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starch) are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. If the bacteria deposits from plaque on teeth aren’t removed through regular brushing, they can cause problems and tartar build up.

What is the difference between plaque and tartar on dog’s teeth?

Plaque is a soft, clear or yellow film of bacteria that can be removed by brushing dog’s teeth. If plaque sits on teeth too long, it hardens to create tartar, which usually has a darker colour.

There is a misconception that only a veterinary professional can remove tartar on dogs teeth, however Nutraplaque is a 100% natural plaque and tartar remover which provides an advanced double action to help aid oral health and hygiene.

Common signs of dog teeth plaque include:

  • Inflamed gums
  • Discoloured teeth
  • Loss of teeth
  • Bad breath
  • Pus inside the mouth

Certain breeds are more prone to dog plaque. Small dogs and toy breeds tend to be most likely to develop dental issues. This is because small breeds have smaller mouths, which means they tend to be at a higher risk of overcrowding.

Overcrowding can damage teeth in your dog’s mouth and lead to more plaque or other dental conditions. Another disadvantage of having a small mouth is that dog tooth plaque and tartar tends to build up quickly. This excess build-up of tartar can lead to more serious dental problems.

If you are worried about your dog’s teeth, speak to your vet who can monitor and is best placed to offer advice.

 

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How to get plaque off dogs teeth

How to get plaque off dogs teeth

Knowing how to get plaque of dogs teeth can help you as an owner to maintain your pet’s oral health and reduce problems.

Plaque, tartar and gum inflammation are very common in pets and among the most frequent concerns seen by vets. Maintaining dental care and reducing plaque on dogs teeth is necessary to provide optimum health and quality of life. If their teeth are not properly cared for it could cause problems.

What is dog tooth plaque?

Plaque is a type of bacteria that lives in your dog’s mouth. These bacteria give off a type of acid which eats into the surface of your dog’s teeth. Over time this can cause painful cavities, gum problems and might mean that your dog loses some of their teeth.

Dog dental care is crucial, if your dog’s teeth are not regularly cleaned the plaque will build up and turn into tartar. Tartar has a solid, brown, gritty look and feel and can lead to inflammation and tenderness which is no fun for your dog or cat to contend with while trying to eat.

How to brush a dog’s teeth?

Prevention is always better than cure. It’s important to know how to brush a dog’s teeth and to start brushing them daily with a special dog toothbrush and toothpaste. Don’t use human toothpaste, as this contains chemicals that can be toxic to dogs.

It’s a good idea to start brushing your dog’s teeth when they are young, as they can get used to it as part of their routine. It’s never too late to start though and older dogs will soon get used to having their teeth brushed.

Take things slowly and get them used to having their teeth cleaned over a few weeks. Let them taste their new dog safe toothpaste so they think of brushing their teeth as a treat not a chore.

You can help to get your dog used to having their mouth touched by gently rubbing a soft cloth along their gums. Gradually move on by using a brush that fits over your finger. This will help to get your dog used to the feeling of their teeth being brushed.

When your dog is comfortable and ready, use a proper dog toothbrush with a longer handle, which will help you reach all of their teeth.

Natural dog plaque remover

Nutraplaque is a 100% natural plaque remover for dogs and cats. It provides an advanced double action formula to help aid oral health and hygiene by systemically working against bad breath, tartar & plaque for healthy teeth and gums.

The unique double action formula of Nutraplaque combines to support optimal oral health by reducing plaque build-up, and bad breath.

 

 

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How to calm a scared cat

scared cat

A scared cat is often hard to spot as cats are notoriously independent and it can be difficult to tell that something is wrong with them.

Depending on their environment cats can become scared or fearful due to a number of reasons. If you have a scared cat it can be worrying for you as their owner, but it’s important to understand your pet’s behaviour and reasons behind their fear. Although each cat is different, they tend to exhibit some tell-tale behaviours when they are scared or stressed.

There can be many reasons for your cat to be scared or nervous, which include:

  • New or unfamiliar people
  • Other cats
  • Loud noises/fireworks
  • Dogs or other predators
  • Changes to or in their environment

Signs of a scared cat can be freezing in place, running away, hiding, hissing or snarling, or arching their back and puffing their fur. If they are particularly scared or anxious, they also become aggressive and scratch or bite.

If you have a scared or anxious cat, they could develop a urinary tract problem, which can develop due to stress and cause pain, blood in the urine or even lead to blockages in the bladder.

Tips to help to calm a scared cat:

Find out what’s causing the fear

Try to find out the reason behind your cat’s fear. This could help with how to handle it. Every cat is different, and anything could be making your cat nervous. For some fears the signs will be obvious, but for others it could be harder to identify.

Give a scared cat space

If your cat seems scared or anxious leave them be and give them space. Following your cat around could lead to further stress. Let them come to you if they want to. Create a safe one for them to go to should they need it.

Scratching posts

Make sure you have plenty of these around the home for your cat to use. This will help your cat to relieve stress and stop them from scratching at furniture or carpets.

Always stay calm

Cats will often pick up if you’re afraid or stressed, so trying to stay calm is really important. If they are showing signs of stress, if you stay calm his will help them feel more at ease.

Try to stick to routines

Most cats love routine as it means they can predict what’s going to happen next. If possible, be sure to feed them and let them out at the same time each day.

Introduce new things slowly

Sometimes change can scare your cat, especially if they aren’t prepared and they find something new in the home which they feel they can’t get away from. If you’re making any changes to your home, try to make it a gradual change if possible. Always make sure your cat has somewhere they can go to get away from new things if they are feeling scared.

Avoid or reduce the things that scare them

If it’s possible to avoid or reduce the cause of their fears, this will often help to stop their fear getting worse. If your cat is scared of something they come across while outside, it might be best to keep them indoors for part of the day. They might even be happier staying at home all the time, especially if this means you can keep them from what is scaring them. If they seem to be more stressed indoors, make sure they have an easy way to get in and out as they choose.

Try a calming supplement

Nutracalm is specially formulated to naturally calm anxious and nervous cats and help to reduce unwanted and unruly behaviour. Nutracalm is a fast-acting natural calming supplement and has been designed to aid a quick natural response once taken.

If you are looking for calming tablets for nervous cats, then Nutracalm is highly recommended by vets throughout the UK and Ireland.

If you are worried about your cat and their behaviour, you should consult your vet, who is best placed to offer advice with regards to your pet’s health.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ascophyllum nodosum for dogs and cats

Ascophyllum nodosum for dogs and cats

Ascophyllum nodosum is commonly used in dental care for dogs and cats.

Seaweed is good for the teeth due to an enzyme known as Bacillus licheniformis. The enzyme works to protect against tooth decay by stripping bacteria away from plaque.

Ascophyllum nodosum is a large, common cold-water seaweed or brown alga in the Fucaceae family and is the only species in the genus Ascophyllum. It grows as a seaweed in the north Atlantic Ocean and is also know in localities as feamainn bhui, rockweed, Norwegian kelp, knotted kelp, knotted wrack or egg wrack.

Seaweed for dogs and cats

Adding a seaweed supplement to your pet’s dinner each night can help to reduce the amount of plaque that can build up on their teeth. Seaweed contains Ascophyllum nodosum; a species of kelp which helps to keep your pet’s teeth clean and reduce bad breath in a natural way.

Ascophyllum nodosum is a special source of brown seaweed selected for its ability to reduce plaque, tartar and bad breath. It contains bio-actives such as Fucoidans and Polyphenols which are systemically absorbed into the body tissues and are clinically proven to reduce oral plaque and improve gum and teeth health.

Seaweed is one of the most nutrient-dense and environmentally sustainable crops on the planet. In addition to being one of the richest sources of minerals and protein (amino acids), seaweed also possesses a range of health benefits including anti-inflammatory activity and can produce thicker shinier coats, enhanced immunity and energy, as well as improved digestion.

Seaweeds are also a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, including a linolenic acid (an Omega-3 fatty acid that dogs need).

If you’re looking for a Ascophyllum nodosum supplement for dogs and cats, Nutraplaque is recommended by thousands of vets throughout the UK & Ireland. The specially selected Norwegian Seaweed in Nutraplaque has been shown to reduce plaque by up to 35% after the first 8 weeks.

Nutraplaque is a completely natural product that provides an advanced double action formula to help aid oral health and hygiene by systemically working against bad breath, tartar and plaque for healthy teeth and gums.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Common signs your pet needs oral health support

Common signs your pet needs oral health support

There are some common signs your pet needs oral health support and many animals are at a higher risk of dental problems as they age.

Caring for your pet’s teeth and gums isn’t that different from looking after your own oral health and by following the common signs your pet needs oral health support can help. By the age of three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have developed some form of periodontal disease.

Maintaining your pet’s dental care is necessary to provide optimum health and quality of life. Common signs your pet needs oral health support include:

Bad breath

If you dog or cat’s breath smells particularly bad, this could be a sign that they have gum disease, which needs treating. Untreated gum disease can damage your pet’s teeth and jaws over time and is one of the major causes of tooth loss. Infections caused by gum disease have been linked with diseases of the heart, liver and kidneys, so you should talk to your vet if you notice any unusual odours.

Changes in eating habits

Any sudden change in your pet’s appetite is a cause for concern, particularly when they don’t want to eat their regular food. Along with wider health concerns, symptoms of gum disease might cause a dog or cat to stop eating or chewing.

If there has been no change to your pet’s diet, you should speak to your vet so they can rule out other causes of concern.

Yellow or brown teeth

If you notice yellow or brown stains on your pet’s teeth, especially around the gums, there is a good chance this is dental plaque. Brushing your dog or cat’s teeth with special toothpaste and adding a dental supplement to their food can help to prevent the build-up of plaque.

Existing plaque or tartar may need to be carefully removed by a vet to reduce the risk of your pet getting tooth decay.

Swollen or bleeding gums

Inflamed or bleeding gums can be a sign that your pet has gum disease or another infection, which can cause discomfort.

Excessive drooling

For some dog owners, drool is just a part of life and some breeds of dogs naturally drool more than others. However, if your dog starts drooling more than normal it could mean they have a health problem, that’s causing them to produce more saliva or is preventing them from swallowing saliva like normal.

This could indicate a variety of dental problems, including gum disease, loose teeth or a dental abscess caused by bacteria or an injury.

Pawing at their mouth

Is your dog or cat scratching constantly licking parts of their mouth, this could be a sign of teething or a more serious issue like dental pain. If your pet will let you, check their teeth and gums for anything that could be bothering them, such as bits of food or other things they might have been chewing.

 

If you are worried about your pet oral health teeth, speak to your vet as they are best placed to monitor your pet’s health and can offer advice depending on their needs.

Nutraplaque is an advanced support for healthy teeth, gums and breath odour. Nutraplaque is a 100% natural product that provides an advanced double action formula to help aid oral health and hygiene by systemically working against bad breath, tartar & plaque for healthy teeth and gums.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Top tips to help maintain healthy teeth and gums in pets

healthy teeth and gums in pets

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums in pets is key to help with their overall general health.

Healthy teeth and gums in pets is important as poor dental care doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth, the bacteria generated by gum disease could eventually enter their bloodstream and potentially damage their heart liver or kidneys.

When your dog or cat has healthy teeth and gums, they can get the most out of their food, crunching every delicious mouthful as they go, but if their teeth hurt, they’ll soon go off their meals and their metabolism will suffer.

Your pet’s teeth have a lot of work to do, dogs use their mouths for more than just eating, they use them to play, explore and taste a lot of their surroundings too. If your dog’s teeth aren’t properly cared for, it can cause problems.

Some positive things you can do to maintain healthy teeth and gums in pets include:

Teeth brushing

Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly is the best way to keep their teeth clean and healthy. Start from an early age to get them used to a routine. Cleaning dogs teeth is an important part of maintaining your pet’s dental care to help provide optimum health and quality of life.

Toys

You can buy your dog toys that are designed to clean your dog’s teeth as they chew on them. Be careful not to get toys that are too small and can be swallowed and get caught in your dog’s throat.

Dental chews

Dental chews or treats and specialist foods can also help to keep your pet’s mouth healthy. Be careful not to feed them too many of these, include them in their daily calorie intake to prevent any unwanted weight gain.

Treats

Don’t feed them too many sugary treats, as this can cause more bacteria to build up on your pet’s teeth.

Bones

Don’t feed your dog bones as these can damage their teeth. Bones can also break into splinters which can damage their gums and throat.

Visit your vet

Regular vet visits can allow them to keep an eye on your pet’s oral health, as well as other health issues that may arise.

Natural teeth plaque remover

Consider using a natural supplement like Nutraplaque which is a completely natural product that provides an advanced double action formula to help aid oral health and hygiene by systematically working against bad breath, tartar and plaque for healthy teeth and gums.

Nutraplaque is recommended by thousands of vets throughout the UK and Ireland as advanced support for healthy teeth, gums and breath odour in dogs and cats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Nutravet launches Nutraplaque for healthy teeth, gums and breath odour

Advanced support for healthy teeth, gums and breath odour in dogs and cats.

Nutravet are pleased to announce the launch of Nutraplaque, which provides a double action formula to help aid oral health and hygiene by systemically working against bad breath, tartar and plaque for healthy teeth and gums.

The unique double action formula of Nutraplaque combines to support optimal oral health by reducing plaque build-up and bad breath and is completely free from unnecessary and harmful sugars and preservatives that can cause tooth decay and damage teeth and gums.

Nutraplaque combines a unique blend of Ascophyllum Nodosum Seaweed and Green Tea Extract (decaffeinated) and are presented in easy to administer sprinkle capsules. The specially selected patented Norwegian seaweed within Nutraplaque has been shown to reduce plaque build-up by 35% after just 4 weeks use.

The benefits of Nutraplaque include:

  • Reduces & helps control plaque
  • Helps in the removal & control of tartar
  • Support for healthy teeth & gums
  • Reduces bad breath
  • Free from artificial preservatives, gluten and sugar

Matthew Shaw, Managing Director at Nutravet comments: “We’re really excited to introduce Nutraplaque into our market-leading range of veterinary exclusive nutraceuticals. Maintaining pets’ dental health is an important part of looking after a pet and our Nutraplaque sprinkle capsules make it easy for pet owners to keep up with oral health in an easy to administer form.

“The unique formulation of Nutraplaque works naturally within an animal’s body. The natural ingredients work through the saliva, where they help reduce new plaque from forming and soften existing tartar around the clock. “

Following its launch, Nutraplaque is available to order directly from Nutravet exclusively to authorised veterinary practices.

As with all Nutravet products, Nutraplaque is manufactured with minimal environmental impact and sustainability in mind and is sold in packaging made from 100% recycled materials.

For further information about Nutraplaque, to place an order or become an authorised veterinary practice, contact Nutravet here.