Having good claw and dental hygiene is important to both
keepers and animals. Keepers often check our animal’s teeth and claws during
training sessions. If we notice that the animal’s teeth and claws are not being
properly maintained by the animal, keepers and the vet crew may need to come in
and assist the needed attention. If their claws and teeth do not get any
special attention, the overgrowth can actually cause lots of problems for the
animals. This can be very painful for the animal in result and start to lose
function of their main purposes.
When bears and big
cats are out in their natural environment, they have the luxury of having their
carnivorous diet consist of bones and cartilage. From chewing and tearing meat
off of their prey, this helps keep their teeth and claws in good shape. Another
way they can maintain and limit any overgrowth is by scratching on toys or
trees. The bones and cartilage helps limit any overgrowth like plaque on teeth
and cuticles on claws get too out of hand.
Since our animals in captivity get served with a very minimal
hard bone diet, it is very common for keepers and vet crew to step in and help
out by scraping the excess overgrowth on their teeth and claws. It’s pretty much going to the dentist and
getting your nails done. Who doesn’t
like that?!
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