You may wonder why you need to worry about your canine’s canines or your feline’s fangs. There is a good reason—pet oral health is significantly linked to the health of the entire body. Heart, kidney, and liver disease are often associated with poor dental health in cats and dogs.
February is National Pet Dental Health Month, which is a great time to dig into the topic of regular oral hygiene. Our Commonwealth Animal Care team will take the fear out of brushing your pet’s teeth and provide more information on taking care of your pet’s dental health.
What better time to celebrate your pet’s sweet smile?
Lack of care can lead to big problems in pets
More than 80% to 90% of pets older than 3 develop periodontal disease, which is attributed to plaque and tartar overgrowth that leads to the release of toxic bacteria. Bacteria get below the gum line, forming pockets that damage the teeth’s supportive structures. Over time, the consequences of untreated periodontitis may include tooth loss, bone loss, abscesses, pain, and worse—the disease may shorten your pet’s life.
Dental disease signs in cats and dogs
The first sign that your pet has problems with their teeth is often their smelly or unpleasant breath. However, many signs fly under the radar, because most pet owners seldom look inside the mouth of their dog or cat—especially the latter. Still, you should know the red flag warnings that something is amiss in your pet’s mouth. Signs from your pet include:
- Not wanting their head or mouth touched
- Halitosis (i.e., bad breath)
- Favoring one side of the mouth when they chew
- Bleeding from the gums, or blood in their bowl or on toys
- Abnormal drooling
- Inflammation or redness of the gums
Contact us promptly if you see any of these signs.
Prevention is key with pet dental health
The power of good pet dental health is in your hands. Your actions can deter disease progression and help prevent painful—and expensive—dental procedures. Make your pet’s oral hygiene a priority with these tips:
- Start now — If you have not already started, set up a toothbrushing routine right away. Brushing is best started on puppies or kittens, but it’s never too late.
- Start slowly — If your pet resists brushing, start slowly. First, acclimate them to the feel of their teeth being touched by regularly lifting their lip and running your finger across their teeth. This will help them adjust to the toothbrush.
- Use safe products — Speaking of toothbrushes—use an appropriately sized, soft-bristled toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste, which are readily available. Never use your own toothpaste, which contains chemicals toxic to pets.
- Set a schedule — Brush your pet’s teeth regularly, ideally daily, but three times per week at a minimum. Set a reminder on your phone so you don’t forget these important sessions.
- Look for the seal — Provide your pet with chew toys and dental treats, which don’t replace daily toothbrushing, but help keep the teeth clean. Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval on all dental pet products. The VOHC seal certifies that the products are proven to be effective.
- Choose special food — Opt for nutritious specialty foods designed with dental health in mind. We can make recommendations if you need help.
- Supplement with professional cleanings — Last but not least, ensure your pet is examined every 6 to 12 months. A routine wellness screening includes a thorough examination of your pet’s physical and dental health, so any problems or changes can be detected and treated early.
The sum of your pet’s solution
It’s not surprising that most pets will need dental intervention at some point in their lifetime, but professional dental examinations and cleanings, along with at-home toothbrushing, can go a long way in preventing or mitigating dental disease. Dental care may seem like a lot of work up front, but a preemptive strike is far better than learning your pet has advanced periodontal disease.
Dental disease in pets is a lot of information to digest, so do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions. Also, since February is National Pet Dental Health month, schedule your pet’s wellness and dental screening with our team at Commonwealth Animal Care. We look forward to seeing you—and your pet’s smile.
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