Do pets need dental care?

DO OUR PETS REQUIRE DENTAL ATTENTION? Yes, it is correct. But wait, wild animals don’t have access to dental treatment, and they appear to have healthy teeth, right? The oral health of wild animals isn’t precisely what it appears. While their diets are lower in teeth decay-causing sweets and carbohydrates, they rarely survive significant dental issues. Pets, on the other hand, have humans to look after them, and we should look after their teeth as well.

Pet Dental Health Problems

Animal mouths, like human lips, contain germs that cause plaque. If plaque is allowed to build up, tartar forms, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. The problem with dogs is that they can’t tell us if something is wrong with their teeth, and they can’t take care of themselves or explain how they feel to a dentist, so it’s easy to ignore the signals.

By the time they’re three years old, up to 85% of cats and dogs have periodontal disease. Trouble chewing, loose teeth, and foul breath are common symptoms, but it can also lead to more significant issues such as bleeding or inflamed gums, tooth loss, and a loss of appetite. Pet owners should be aware of these warning signals so that any issues can be addressed before they become more serious.

Basic Pet Dental Care Tips

It’s more vital to simply maintain a regular pet oral hygiene practice than it is to keep a lookout for signs. Whether we’re talking about human or pet oral health, prevention is always preferable to cure! Here are some basic things you can do to help your pet:

  • Brush their teeth daily.
  • Only use veterinary toothpaste (yours will make them sick).
  • Get the vet’s recommendations for dental treats.
  • Have their teeth professionally cleaned. This could be through the regular vet or through a veterinary dental specialist.

Establishing a Brushing Routine

Just as dogs and cats can’t tell us when something is wrong with their teeth, they can’t grasp the need of brushing them, so convincing them to accept a daily brushing might be difficult. Brushing when they’re calm, getting down on their level to make it less daunting, checking their desire to brush by running a finger over their upper gums, and ensuring they like the flavor of the veterinary toothpaste are all things we recommend.

Healthy Teeth Mean Happier Pets!

Nothing makes a pet owner happier than watching their pet happy and energetic. Taking care of their teeth is a terrific method to help them stay that way. If you’d like to learn more about pet dental care or are having trouble getting your pet adjusted to a dental hygiene routine, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian or our office!

We love our patients!

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
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Summary

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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