You take care of your teeth every day, but do you do the same for your furry friend? If not, you might want to start thinking about how you can include that in your pet care routine. 78% of dogs and 63% of cats over age three have some form of dental disease, and you might not be able to tell just by looking at them. Make sure you’re getting your pets the care that they need. Here are the top four reasons that pet dental care is so important.
1. Prevent Bad Breath
Do you avoid getting too close to your pet’s face because their breath is so awful? This is one of the first warning signs that they need better dental care.
Their bad breath means that bacteria is building up in their mouths, which could create bigger problems if left alone for too long. Halitosis alone is still unpleasant, though.
Regular cleanings can help to make sure that your pet’s health doesn’t deteriorate and that you don’t jerk your head away every time they yawn.
2. Reverse The Effects Of Gingivitis
If your pet’s teeth aren’t looked after, eventually that bad breath might become a serious health problem.
When bacteria combine with the food left on your pet’s teeth, plaque and tartar begin to form. If those aren’t cleaned away, bacteria get under the gums and inflame the tissue surrounding the teeth. This is very painful for your pet and a definite sign that you need to take your dog or cat to a pet dentist.
Luckily, pet dentistry can reverse the effects of gingivitis if it’s already begun, or prevent it completely.
3. Improve Your Pet’s Quality Of Life
Just because you don’t think there’s anything wrong doesn’t mean that there aren’t already problems lurking beneath the surface.
Have you noticed that despite their hunger, your pets are turning their nose up at dry food? Your dog or cat might be experiencing a lot of pain when chewing because of its dental health.
Regularly monitoring your pet’s dental health can protect it from unnecessary pain, losing teeth, and even bigger health problems down the line.
4. Pet Dental Care Can Be Life-Saving
Regular dental care won’t just protect your pet from a painful mouth and bad breath. It could actually save a life.
If left alone for too long, the bacteria that cause gingivitis will eventually begin to eat away at the tissues surrounding your pet’s teeth. Without enough supporting tissue, teeth usually fall out.
This is called periodontal disease. The bacteria associated with this disease can enter the bloodstream and affect your pet’s heart, kidneys, and liver without proper care.
Take Charge Of Your Pet’s Dental Health
Luckily, there are easy at-home ways to make sure you’re giving your dog or cat the attention they need. Brushing their teeth frequently is most effective, though this can sometimes be difficult depending on your pet.
There are also certain dental treats available for dogs and cats that are designed to help remove plaque and tartar from teeth.
No matter what, though, you should always seek our professional pet dental care periodically. Sykesville Veterinary Clinic can take care of your pet dentistry needs. Register your pet with us today.