types of food for your cat

Types of Cat Foods
The three main types of cat foods are dry, soft-moist and canned products
1. Dry food
Dry products consist of crunchy kibbles, which help reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar on a cat’s teeth. Dry foods also have the advantage of staying fresh longer than soft-moist and canned products once the package is opened.
2. Soft-Moist food
Soft-moist cat foods generally offer higher palatability as compared to dry diets, are convenient to serve and store easily.
3. Canned Diets
These diets have the highest palatability when compared to the dry and soft-moist products.

DENTAL DISEASES - TARTAR,PLAQUE

Dogs and cats can get most of the dental problems i.e. dental plaque tartar, gum and tooth disease.

Dental plaque is a sticky substance that covers the teeth consisting of bacteria, saliva, food particles and epithelial cells. Plaque builds up on the tooth surface every day and when left undisturbed the plaque can mineralize in less than 2 days to develop into tartar.

Dental tartar is a thin sheet that covers teeth consisting of food particles and other organic matter. The continued build-up of tartar can produce an environment for growth of certain types of bacteria that may be more destructive and also produce a more noticeable odor. This can lead periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease - it is a very common infectious disease caused by bacteria that make up plaque. Symptoms of periodontal disease include bad breath, and red or inflamed gums. Increased salivation, pawing at or rubbing the face can be indications of oral pain.

Prevention is daily brushing that will remove the plaque and prevent the tartar and eventual periodontal disease.

How to brush your dog's teeth

There are important facts about pets' mouth that tell us when, where and how to brush. It takes less than 36 hours for this plaque to become mineralized and harden into "tartar" that cannot be removed with a brush. To avoid this progression, brushing should be done daily, with a brush to remove the plaque from under the gum line.
Pick a time of day that will become a convenient part of your pet's daily routine. Take a few days to let both of you get use to the process. Follow with praise and a walk or treat each time.
How to brush your Dog's Teeth -
Start by offering your dog a taste of the dog's toothpaste. The next time, let him taste the toothpaste, then run your finger along the gums of the upper teeth. Repeat the process with the tooth brush. Get the bristles of the brush along the gum line of the upper back teeth and angle slightly up, so the bristles get under the gum line. Work from back to front, making small circles along the gum lines. Do not try to brush the entire mouth at first. If your pet eventually allows you to brush most of his teeth, so much the better.
Even with the best tooth brushing, some dogs may still need an occasional professional cleaning. By brushing your pet's teeth daily, you may reduce the frequency and involvement of dental cleanings.