Pet Dental Health Month: Why Dental Care is Essential for Your Pet’s Overall Health
February is Pet Dental Health Month, and we think that this collection of dog and cat dental health tips is something to smile about!
Pet Dental Health—Why Worry?
Dogs and cats simply can’t brush their own teeth, so why not just let nature take its course? The truth is that oral health is a component of overall health, and our pets’ quality of life can be affected by their teeth and gums.
Looking Fresh and Clean
The importance of pet dental care can be cosmetic, leading to whiter teeth and fresher breath for our furry friends. Plus, with a healthy mouth, pets are more likely to keep all of their teeth into their senior years, and let’s face it: that could make for much cuter Instagram pics!
Overall Health
You may not realize that periodontal disease, or bacterial infection of the gums and supportive tissue, “has been linked to liver and heart disease.” The bacteria associated with dental disease can enter the bloodstream through irritated gum tissue and cause problems throughout the body. Additionally, poor dental health can lead to everything from discomfort while eating to painful infected abscesses.
Signs of Pet Dental Disease
Bad breath is a sign that your dog or cat’s mouth is not as clean as it could be, although you may notice a difference between “just ate kibble breath” and “bacteria yuck mouth.” Pay attention to changes in eating habits, such as drooling, dropping food, or bleeding from the mouth during meals. Look for chew toys, food, and treat avoidance. Your dog or cat might also rub their mouth, and they might flinch or even snap if you try to touch their face.
If you notice swelling in the face, particularly around the eye, this could be a sign of an abscess, or a pocket of infection. While we’re happy to help with any of these issues, it is more urgent to contact your vet if you suspect an abscess.
At-Home Care
The gold standard for at-home pet dental care is daily toothbrushing. It is vital to use toothpaste made specifically for dogs and cats because human toothpaste. If you begin when your pet is a puppy or kitten, it is easier to get them used to the brushing routine. However, even old dogs can learn new tricks! Start slowly by rubbing a cotton gauze square or your finger along just a few of their teeth, rewarding them with a small dab of tasty pet toothpaste. Gradually work your way up to a few more teeth each day until you can brush them all without struggle.
Contact us if you’d like a toothbrushing demo and personalized dental health tips. We can even suggest appropriate dental chew treats that can supplement your dental care routine.
With Your Veterinary Team
Speaking of contacting us, you should schedule regular veterinary check-ups so that your veterinary team can help you keep an eye out for signs of dental issues and other diseases. As your dog or cat ages, your vet might recommend professional dental cleaning. Note that this full dental cleaning requires anesthesia to ensure that your pet stays still, avoiding injury with dental instruments. They also need both scaling and polishing, and that is just too much to ask a pet to hold still for.
Just like for humans, dental X-rays will allow your veterinarian to check tooth roots that cannot otherwise be seen. If teeth need to be extracted, this will occur during anesthesia. The vet will perform a physical exam and bloodwork ahead of the procedure, and your pet will be monitored while under anesthesia to ensure the safest procedure possible.
A Note About Small Animals and Exotics
While we would not expect daily toothbrushing for hamsters or rabbits, it is important to note that such animals do need to chew food, treats, and toys to control the growth of their incisors. During regular exams, we’ll check your small animal or exotic pet’s mouth and share any needed information and tips with you.
Dental care truly is essential for your pet’s overall health. We at Vital Vet Animal Hospital are happy to help you care for your best furry friend’s teeth and gums!