Is Your Pet’s Dental Health Important?
Professionals from 247 Dental in Colorado Springs agree that dental care is not just for people – pets need them too. When it comes to your pet’s dental health, prevention is the best medicine. If you take good care of your pet’s teeth and gums while they’re still healthy, you’ll avoid a lot of pain and expense in the future.
This article will teach you how dental disease develops in pets, what kind of dangers it poses for their health and happiness, and what steps you can take to keep them healthy.
What Causes Dental Disease In Pets
Dental disease is common among dogs (about 60% have some form) and cats (about 80%). The most common problems are cavities or tartar on their teeth that lead to gum disease if left untreated. Gum disease means there has been an infection around one or more teeth which causes swelling and inflammation in the mouth as well as bad breath. Untreated, the disease can lead to tooth loss and heart, liver, and kidney problems. The good news is that it’s very treatable!
How Do I Know If My Pet Has Dental Problems?
There are a few warning signs that you should look for. If your pet is dropping food from its mouth and drooling excessively, it could be an early sign of gum disease. Other symptoms include bad breath and red and swollen gums around the tooth or teeth. If any of these warning signs are present, bring your pet to our veterinarian for an exam.
Taking Care Of Your Pet’s Dental Health At Home
Dental health is important for all animals, including pets. Dental disease can lead to more serious problems such as infections and abscesses that require veterinary attention. In order to maintain a healthy mouth, you should brush your pet’s teeth regularly with a toothbrush designed for pets or have them professionally cleaned by a veterinarian.
Here are some tips on how you can keep their teeth clean at home:
- Have your vet show you the proper technique for brushing your pet’s teeth before trying it yourself.
- Use animal-specific toothpaste formulated specially for dental care in addition to regular human toothpaste every time they get brushed.
- Feed them dry food instead of canned food since wet foods will increase plaque buildup.
- Keep their teeth and gums healthy by visiting your vet regularly for checkups to make sure everything is okay.
The Importance Of Regular Veterinary Checkups
A quick, regular veterinary checkup is one of the best ways to keep your pet healthy. It can detect problems before they become serious and life-threatening!
A veterinarian can do things like: inspect your pet’s teeth for signs of dental disease; assess their weight and overall health; test them for parasites or other illnesses; provide vaccinations as needed. A preventative exam will not only help diagnose issues that may be present but also identify potential problems that could crop up in the future. The earlier a problem is detected, the more likely it will be solved quickly.
Regular checkups are vital because many diseases have no symptoms until they reach an advanced stage – by then it’s often too late to treat effectively. Your pets deserve to live the longest, healthiest lives possible, so make sure they get a comprehensive veterinary examination every year.
Final Thoughts
Pets need dental care too! If your dog or cat has tartar on their teeth or gum disease you may want to think about getting them a professional dental cleaning. Veterinary dentists are specially trained and qualified to work with animals using special equipment and tools usually only used in human dentistry. The process isn’t fun but it will keep them healthy!
