Pet owners spend a lot of time and energy making sure their pets are happy and well cared for. Unfortunately, though, many people don’t consider dental health as an important part of their pets’ overall health. When dental health is ignored, it can lead to periodontal disease, which can also cause serious complications for your pets’ organs.
Keep your furry friends’ dental health a high priority by following our five easy tips:
Feed Them Teeth-Friendly Foods and Snacks
Crunchy kibble is better for your pets’ teeth than canned food as it helps prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. However, be careful with bones and rawhide because while they can help keep teeth clean, they can also fracture teeth or become a choking hazard.
Brush Their Teeth
The best way to get your pets used to having their teeth brushed is to start when they are young; however, older pets can be introduced to dental health slowly. Ask your veterinarian for tips or a tutorial on how to properly brush your pets’ teeth.
Schedule Regular Veterinary Exams
Pet dental health is a high priority for veterinarians, who will assess your pets’ teeth as part of their regular examinations. They will also provide recommendations for teeth-cleaning products and any additional scaling or examination your pets might need.
Watch for Behavioural or Physical Changes
Dogs and cats don’t exhibit pain like we do. Often you won’t know that there’s anything wrong until it’s too late. Be on the lookout for subtle changes in your pets’ behaviour or physical appearance. Drooling, refusing to eat or red, sore gums could indicate periodontal disease, which needs to be examined by a vet immediately.
Invest in Pet Insurance
One of the best ways to keep pets healthy and safe is to make sure their insurance is up to date. Having proper pet insurance can help limit the costs of any problems your pets might have to face, including dental health issues.
Hudson’s Bay Financial Services is proud to partner with Petline Insurance,1 Canada’s largest pet insurance company. Petline Insurance reimburses you for up to 80% of the cost of care and veterinary services if your pets fall ill or are injured. They’ve made it easier to meet your needs and fit your budget with three levels of care and rates starting as low as $16.83 a month for dogs and $12.43 a month for cats.
Plus, when you purchase pet insurance, you’ll earn Hudson’s Bay Rewards points² along with peace of mind.
Click here to learn more about Petline Insurance.
1 Rates and product details are effective as of July 1, 2016, and are subject to change without notice. All plans are subject to the terms and conditions of your Policy and Documents of Insurance. Premiums vary by breed and where you live. Pet insurance for Hudson’s Bay customers is arranged for by Hudson Bay Financial Services and underwritten by Petline Insurance.
2 Earn 2,000 Hudson’s Bay Rewards points when you purchase a Basic Care plan; 3,000 Rewards points for an Enhanced Care plan; and 4,000 Rewards points for an Enhanced Care Plus plan. Rewards points will be issued in equal increments after every six months when you use a valid Canadian-issued credit card to pay for your premiums and will not be pro-rated. Offer valid in Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, and the Yukon.