Eye Health The dog and cat eye is one of the most important sense organs they have. Without them they have a very hard time getting around and it greatly reduces their ability to interact with the rest of the family. Eye injuries and diseases are very serious and as such, any problem with your pet’s eyes needs to be addressed by your veterinarian as soon as possible. The ophthalmic antibiotic ointment Terramycin™ is great for the local treatment of superficial ocular infections in dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, but is not a cure-all for all eye diseases. As such, unless you know what you are dealing with, consult your veterinarian. (More Dog Eye Care Products) Dental Health Your pet’s dental and gum health is very important for her overall health especially as she ages. Teeth are important for chewing food and playing. A healthy mouth is a happy pet. As tartar accumulates on the teeth, severe irritation occurs along the gum line. This is termed gingivitis and is caused by bacteria living in the tartar. Those same bacteria are also a major cause of halitosis (bad breath) in pets. As the gums become more diseased from the bacteria and tartar they erode to expose and breakdown the roots of the teeth and their attachments. This process is termed periodontal disease. Over time bacteria around and under the gum tissue invade the body through the blood supply. This can cause infections on the heart valves and in major organs such as the liver, kidneys and pancreas. Cats and dogs are affected equally. Overtime, periodontal disease can lead to a much-shortened lifespan. The best prevention of periodontal disease in dogs and cats is by preventing tartar accumulation in the first place. Tartar is formed after plaque (that filmy substance on your teeth if you haven’t brushed in a while) has remained on the tooth for 48 hours. By brushing the teeth every day, you can prevent tartar accumulation on your pet’s teeth and provide her with a better quality and longer life. The easiest way to brush your pets teeth is with a finger brush or a pet tooth brush. Our handy dental kit by VET is a great place to start for dogs and cats. If you can rub your finger in between your pet’s teeth and lips, then you will be able to brush their teeth. The toothpaste that comes with the kit and is also sold separately (C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste) is safe for pets to ingest, unlike human fluoride paste. First just use your finger and some pet toothpaste and rub the tooth and gum lines. Do this for a few days. Then, use the finger brush and paste for a few days. Last, use the appropriate sized toothbrush. If your pet will only allow the finger brush, that is fine, just continue to use it. Try to make it fun and play with your pet afterward or go for a walk as a reward. She will learn it is a good thing to get her teeth brushed. (More Dog Health Care Products)

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