Dental

Importance of Pet Dental Care

Without pet dental care, nearly all dogs and cats develop dental problems. The wild ancestors of our dogs and cats kept their teeth in good condition by eating a rough, raw, natural diet. You don’t want your dogs and cats hunting for prey today. Even the best diets for our dogs and cats won’t keep their teeth in good shape without regular dental care.

Tooth Decay and Bone Disease

A recent study of 2 million dogs and cats by the University of Illinois found that 68% of cats and 78% of dogs have serious dental problems. The oral health problem that is most likely to affect your dog or cat is gum disease. When tartar builds up around your pet’s teeth, the gums can become inflamed and infected. Tooth and bone problems can follow.

The sad reality of pet dental disease is that our pets deal with pain and difficulties eating that their owners don’t notice. Smaller pets, in particular, operate on an instinct to hide their pain to avoid displaying weakness.

Identifying Dental Problems

Bad breath is the primary indicator of pet dental issues. If kitty kisses and playful licks from your dog leave you gasping for air, it’s time to see your vet for a checkup for gum disease. Other signs of oral health problems in pets include:

• Eating from just one side of the mouth.
• Food falling for your pet’s mouth.
• Excessive drooling.
• Wounds around the mouth that won’t heal.
• Blood in the water bowl and on chew toys.

Our veterinarian can give your pets regular cleanings to help reduce the effects of built-up plaque. You can also train your pets to tolerate you brushing their teeth regularly to prevent dental problems before they start.