WHY PET DENTAL CARE MATTERS
Pet dental care is just as important as our own. Unfortunately, many pet owners tend to let this facet of their pet’s overall wellness fall to the wayside. Left unchecked, your pet’s teeth and gums can deteriorate quickly, and unresolved dental issues can lead to a number of problems for your pet’s well-being.
Dental Disease
Unbeknownst to most pet owners, dental disease is one of most common diseases seen in pets by veterinarians. A large majority of pets (around 80%) have some form of dental disease that ends up causing issues both large and small. Some of the signs of dental disease can include:
- Bad breath
- Swollen mouth, jaws or gums
- Red or inflamed gums
- Loose teeth
- Teeth that are yellow, brown, or discolored
- Pain while eating
- Lack of interest in chew toys and bones
Benefits of Pet Dental Care
Providing regular dental care for your pet can only help his or her overall oral health. Some of these benefits can be seen immediately, with a reduction in plaque and tartar buildup and better smelling breath.
The long term effects are also equally worthwhile, if not more so. Regular dental care will help your pet’s overall health improve, as regular dental exams and cleanings can help reduce your pet’s chances of suffering from oral infections, and prevent him or her from getting heart, kidney or liver disease.
It is recommended that your pet receive regular wellness exams focused on his or her overall oral health. Dental checkups are a very important step in ensuring your pet stays happy and healthy as he or she grows older.
Ideally, pets should receive a full oral exam (usually under anesthesia) once a year, but some pets will need them every six months, especially if there are serious concerns already in play. When you do schedule that dental exam with your veterinarian, be sure to set up a dental cleaning schedule that works best for both you and your pet.
Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital is happy to offer pet dental care as one of our many services. Call now to schedule your pet’s dental exam and begin the worthwhile process of ensuring your pet has a clean and healthy mouth.