With pet Dental Month coming up in August, it’s timely to highlight the importance of taking care of your pets’ oral hygiene. Gum disease is the most common clinical condition occurring in adult dogs and cats. By the age of three, most dogs and cats (four out of every five) have some evidence of dental disease. As pets age, the incidence of dental problems increases.
What are the risks of dental disease to your pet?
More serious issue can begins when tartar spreads to beneath the gums. Tartar can not only lead to tooth loss. It can also lead to holes, and damage to the jawbone. Bacteria beneath the gum line, it can also secrete toxins which can cause infections and enter the bloodstream, weakening immunity and impacting the animal’s organs.
How can you tell if your pet has dental issues?
Unfortunately, other than significantly smelly breath, there are very few obvious symptoms. As a result, periodontal disease is usually under-treated.
Common signs of dental disease to look out for:
- Bad breath
- Reduced appetite
- Bleeding or receding gums
- Discoloured teeth
- Loose teeth
- Difficulty chewing
How to prevent gum disease in your pet?
A good home dental care routine will help keep your pet’s chompers clean and healthy. It can even save you money by reducing medical complications that can result from the need for tooth extractions and other emergency dental procedures. Establishing oral hygiene routines with your pet at a young age trains them to accept dental care throughout life.
Simple ways that you can help care for your pets’ teeth:
- Feed your pet a complete and balanced food diet
- Regular dental check-ups with the vet
- Chewy toys to stimulate saliva
- Chews and dental treats formulated for oral health
- Regular tooth brushing
There are also special pet food brands available that are designed to assist with dental hygiene by “brushing” the teeth as they are eaten. For more specific advice about caring for your pet’s dental hygiene, please consult with your vet.
Keeping a close eye on your pets dental hygiene is important just as it is for humans they require regular vet check-ups, and will most likely need a thorough professional clean sooner or later. Don’t take chances with your pets’ dental health care, as things can get out of control quickly. Speak to us about booking an appointment to keep your furry companions’ smiles healthy!