One of the most important ways to improve dental health is to feed dogs and cats the correct diet writes Judy Morgan, DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT. She reviews the effects diets have on dental health and addressing some erroneous beliefs.
Contrary to popular belief, the consumption of dry food does not provide enough mechanical abrasion to prevent the development of plaque and dental disease.
Source: Animal Wellness, April 6, 2020. Link. Diet can play an important role in minimizing plaque and calculus formation, and aid in the removal of plaque that has already formed. The type of diet fed, along with the frequency of tooth brushing and access to chew toys, dental chews and hard chews, will factor into either the persistence or removal of plaque.
INSIGHTS: This is another opportunity to engage idle staff members on slow days. Consider outbound calls to clients with pets in their middle or senior years to update clinic records, inquire about changes in the pets’ activities and identify diets and treats being provided. Simple questions about pet breath or appetite can reveal opportunities to discuss managing dental health and diets.
Remember, daily oral care at home is a first step in managing oral and dental health!
Today’s pet owners want to feel connected to their support networks. Ten calls like this would become the topic of discussions in client peer groups and create great customer experience word of mouth plus benefit pet health.