by Mary Oquendo
hink about how you feel when you have a toothache. Now, imagine a pet experiencing that pain, and then you, the groomer, come near them with a vibrating clipper or reach a hand to touch their face to trim. More than likely, this pet will protect him or herself and pose as a bite risk. And since smaller dogs are more prone to periodontal disease, they account for a higher percentage of dogs that are apt to bite when handling their face during grooming.
This is just one of the many reasons why it’s important to conduct a nose-to-tail assessment at check-in. Using a careful approach and exercising caution, you should note the condition of the teeth by checking each pet’s mouth during the assessment.
Aside from uncovering a pet’s source of pain which, in turn, protects you from a potential bite injury, being aware of painful teeth also establishes you as an authority, and may even increase your bottom line.
Many owners do not understand that poor oral health links to liver, kidney, heart and lung disease. This is because bacteria from food remains enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums and travel throughout the body. Over time, it weakens the immune system, impacting those organs. By educating clients on the importance of good dental hygiene, they can increase the life of their beloved pets. Many veterinary professionals estimate that an increase in life expectancy can be as high as three to five years. And, remember to mention the savings in veterinarian bills if the pet is healthier.
Keep in mind that it may not be negligence on the owner’s part; they may simply not be aware of the consequences. You should start by opening up a dialogue with the client to educate them—do not ridicule or demean them, and show compassion in your approach. The nose-to-tail assessment is an excellent time to talk to your client regarding the signs of periodontal disease.
Signs a groomer may notice include:
- Flinching or pulling away from you
- Quivering lips
- Growling, snapping or hissing (cats)
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Tartar
- Visible root or bulge of the crown of the tooth
- Open sores on face, jaw or mouth
- Ulcers in mouth
- Bad breath
If you notice any of the above, ask the owner if they’ve seen their pet rubbing their face on the carpet, floor or furniture, or if the pet seems to have difficulty eating, is exhibiting a loss of appetite or begging more for the owner’s softer food. Also ask if the pet sleeping more than usual. All of these signs point to periodontal disease. There may be instances when the periodontal disease is too advanced for the owner to rectify independently; therefore, such clients should refer to a veterinarian professional to discuss available options for their pet.
Periodontal disease develops over time in a series of stages when the build-up of food particles and bacteria form plaque along the gum line. Plaque is a milky-white film that develops on teeth every day. Not removing plaque combines with minerals in saliva to form tartar (also called calculus), which only takes three to five days. Calculus irritates gum tissue and leads to gingivitis. Inflammation caused by gingivitis will work down the root canal, causing the tooth to loosen. Gingivitis will separate the gums from the teeth and form pockets that harbor abscesses, leading to bone loss, which can be very painful.
The array of pet dental care products is vast, but here are some that can be offered in your retail area, starting with minimum effort to maximum effort needed from the client to put them to use:
- Good-quality dental treats that do not contain hidden sugars such as beet pulp, molasses, birch sugar or fructose.
- Dental toys that either have raised nubs or strings. The nubs massage the gums, loosen plaque and strengthen the muscles in the jaw. The string toys act as floss.
- Water additives, which simply get added to the pet’s water bowl.
- Chlorohexidine wipes, which are tooth wipes treated with a solution of chlorohexidine to kill bacteria.
- Dental gels, which get rubbed on or applied to the gum.
- Pet toothbrushes and toothpaste. Be sure to caution owners not to use human toothpaste, as they contain detergents and fluoride that may cause gastric upset if swallowed by the pet.
Educating your clients on the importance of developing and maintaining a pet dental program benefits the pet owner with a pet that lives a longer, healthier life. And at the end of the day, isn’t that why we do what we do?