Yes – just like us, our pets need daily dental care too! Did you know that by the age of 3 about 70%-80% of cats and dogs will have some form of dental disease? And most of it occurs below their gumline so we can’t even see it.
That’s why it’s important to bring your pet to the veterinarian once a year so that we can look at your pet’s mouth. Maintenance, prevention, and treatment for dental health can be discussed.
Practicing good oral health hygiene for your pet can help reduce dental disease and other health issues from arising like infections to the heart, liver, or kidneys. These infections are caused by bacteria from the mouth entering into your pet’s bloodstream.
Brushing your pet’s teeth daily will help reduce dental disease and other health problems, but bringing them to your veterinarian for a dental cleaning will help get those hard-to-reach places and excess tartar and plaque that build up over time.
When we perform a dental cleaning, your pet is safely put under general anesthesia. We take full-mouth digital dental X-rays to look beneath the gum line to be sure there isn’t pathology hiding that we need to treat. Their teeth are then carefully scaled and polished (similar to when you get your teeth cleaned!).
If you notice your pet is having any of these oral health issues, try to get them in soon:
- Bad breath
- Loose or broken teeth
- Abnormal chewing or drooling
- Decrease in appetite or refusal to eat
- Red, swollen gums
- Swelling around the mouth
There are dental products that can help with your pet’s oral health like prescription dog food, treats, and water additives. Look for products that have been approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
If you have any questions or concerns about dental care for your pet, call us today!
Orange City Family Animal Care.