Unfortunately, the truth is that over eighty percent of pets over the age of three struggle with some form of dental disease. And to make matters worse, this disease is entirely preventable! That being said, the best way to ensure your pets have healthy teeth and gums is to know and understand as much as possible about the disease.
The first thing that all owners need to know is what signs they need to look out for. These signs will alert owners to the need for immediate veterinary attention for their pet.
The common signs of dental disease include:
Bad breath.
You may no longer want to get too close to your pet because of his or her breath.
Pawing and rubbing at the mouth.
This is often due to the pain and discomfort your pet may be experiencing.
Red and swollen gums.
You may also notice that your pet’s gums are really red. They may be so red that his or her gums are swollen.
Not eating as well.
Your pet may not be able to eat because his or her mouth is sore.
Doesn’t want to play with hard toys.
He or she may also avoid playing with hard toys or chewing on rawhide chews due to a sore mouth.
If you notice any of these signs, consider consulting your veterinarian for a thorough dental examination. He or she will check for:
- Pain
- Bad breath
- Drooling
- Trouble swallowing
- Changes in teeth. We look for signs of teeth resorption, missing teeth, fractured teeth, and other dental issues.
- Inflammation
- Bleeding
That being said, many pet owners are unaware of the importance of good dental care. Even if they notice the signs of disease, they may not take any action about it. However, that could be a mistake.
Good dental care is so essential for many reasons. If left untreated, dental disease can do the following:
Weight loss.
Struggle to eat enough to get the nutrition that your pet needs.
Pain and inflammation.
Dental disease can really affect your pet’s overall health and wellness.
Resorptive lesions.
These lesions are quite painful and are found in twenty-eight percent of cats.
Lost teeth.
Gingivitis and tartar can build up and cause your pet’s teeth to get loose and fall out.
Damage to your pet’s vital organs.
Bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause damage to your pet’s heart, kidneys, and liver.
As per the AHAA guidelines, “dental care is necessary to provide optimum health and optimize the quality of life.”
So, what can you do at home for your pet’s dental care? Here are some things that you can do now to improve the health of your pet’s mouth.
Brush your pet’s teeth at home regularly.
Although it is best to do it daily, if you can do it several times a week, you will still notice a difference.
Use special treats and chew toys to help maintain good oral care.
There are many treats and chew toys out there to help your pet maintain good oral care.
Our clients have had great success with these chews. They are available on Amazon and Chewy.
If your dog is a chewer, you may also want to consider trying Bully Sticks. Bully sticks are a great alternative to rawhide chews.
If your dog is not a chewer, you may want to try this food additive. We have seen many dogs’ mouths look significantly better after using this product.
They are available on Amazon and Chewy.
Visit your veterinarian regularly to ensure your pet’s oral health is optimal.
Your pet should be examined at least once a year to ensure its mouth is healthy.
If you notice signs of dental disease, take note. You should schedule an examination with your veterinarian as soon as you can. You may be able to do better with your home care, though your pet may need a dental. Once they are professionally cleaned, all you have to do is maintain them that way.
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Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.
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You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.