As pet parents, we do our best to keep our furry companions healthy. There’s plenty to keep track of, including proper dental care. This is an essential, yet often overlooked, aspect of a pet’s overall health. Establishing good dental habits now helps prevent problems later.
Avoid Periodontal Disease
Just like with people, periodontal disease is the most common medical issue with dogs and cats; it affects as many as 90 percent of pets. This can have a detrimental effect on your pet’s life, especially if it becomes severe. The best preventative measure is regular tooth brushing sessions. Good dental hygiene protects plaque from forming on their teeth.
Most animals won’t show any signs of dental problems, so be on the lookout for anything unusual. Some symptoms include:
- Bad breath
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums (gingivitis)
- Plaque accumulation on the teeth
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Difficulty eating or chewing
- Teeth becoming loose or falling out
Having your veterinarian provide annual oral examinations and dental cleanings is critical to managing dental disease. Between vet visits, brushing your pet’s teeth helps prevent soft plaque buildup on their teeth. With practice and patience, your dog or cat will become accustomed to the feeling and tolerate it.
Clean Your Pet’s Teeth
The biggest challenge with having the vet clean your pet’s teeth is that, unlike us, they don’t understand the process. Pet dentistry requires general anesthesia; the procedure spares your pet from pain and stress and allows the vet to do a thorough cleaning. Most pets can go home the same day, a bit groggy but with clean teeth.
Whether you brush your own pet’s teeth or have a professional do the job, it’s entirely possible for them to have sparkling clean pearly whites. Developing a routine makes the process smoother. For more dental tips and information, contact your local veterinarian.
