Dogs and cats are very intelligent animals. They are capable of doing amazing things. Unfortunately, brushing their own teeth cannot always be achievable.
Even though your pet doesn't need a winning smile, its oral health is still important. With a lack of care for these hidden areas of your furry friend's oral health, they may end up biting off more than they can chew.
Why Is Your Pet’s Dental Health Important?
If you didn’t brush your teeth for a few months, or even years, you’d soon experience serious dental discomfort. You would be plagued by cavities and gum disease, not to mention seriously unbearable breath!
Your pet’s teeth are no different. Without regular cleanings, your pet may be suffering from dental diseases leading to more serious health conditions.
In fact, more than 70% of dogs and cats show signs of oral disease before the age of 3 years old!
To ensure your pet's teeth remain healthy, schedule regular visits to a pet dentist.
Symptoms of Dental Disease
Unfortunately, your pets can’t tell you when they are experiencing dental pain or discomfort. Luckily, vet dentists have identified a few red flags that you can watch out for.
A big warning sign of oral disease is a change in your pet’s behaviour. If your pet suddenly becomes lethargic, loses its appetite, stops grooming, or becomes depressed, it is a sign that they may be in pain.
Signs of dental disease are commonly found around your pet’s face. Watch out for facial swelling, drooling, discharge from the nose or eyes, and swollen or bleeding gums. Your pet may also drop food from their mouth while eating.
What Could Go Wrong?
Poor dental hygiene can lead to long-term consequences.
The first thing your pet is likely to experience is bad breath due to a build-up of bacteria in the mouth. If this bacterium is not removed, it will calcify and turn into plaque.
Plaque build-up can cause gum infections which may lead to bleeding, swollen or receding gums. As gums begin to recede, they leave the teeth vulnerable to diseases like gingivitis that can cause tooth loss.
If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease. This is a far more serious condition.
If the bacteria that caused the periodontal disease enters your pet’s bloodstream, it may affect your pet’s organs. Periodontitis has been linked to heart, liver, and kidney damage.
What Can You Do?
The good news is, with a little effort, you can protect your pet’s teeth. The best way to manage dental diseases is through prevention.
If your pet complies, brushing its teeth daily is a great way to prevent plaque build-up. Make sure to use pet-friendly toothpaste as human toothpaste contains fluoride and other chemicals that are not meant to be swallowed.
The most effective way to ensure your pet’s teeth remain healthy is to schedule regular dental cleanings. Silverado Veterinary Hospital, a pet dentist in Calgary, offers teeth cleaning and polishing services. Visit them regularly to ensure your pet's pearly whites stay bright and clean.
Trust the Experts at Silverado Veterinary Hospital
We know you want the best for your pet. Preventing oral pain and lasting damage is one of the best ways to care for your furry friend.
The veterinarians at Silverado Veterinary Hospital will keep your pet's teeth squeaky clean and healthy.
Contact Silverado Veterinary Hospital for all your veterinary needs!