Pet Dental Care

Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health, and dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems. Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian to check for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.

Oral health in dogs and cats

Your pet’s teeth should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy. Have your pet’s teeth checked sooner if you observe any of the following problems:
– Bad breath
– Broken or loose teeth
– Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
– Teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
– Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
– Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
– Pain in or around the mouth
– Bleeding from the mouth
– Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth
Some pets become irritable when they have dental problems, and any changes in your pet’s behavior should prompt a visit to your veterinarian. Always be careful when evaluating your pet’s mouth, because a painful animal may bite.

Causes of pet dental problems

Although cavities are less common in pets than in people they can have many of the same dental problems that people can develop:
– Broken teeth
– Periodontal disease
– Abscesses or infected teeth
– Cysts or tumors in the mouth
– Malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth and bite
– Broke (fractured) jaw
– Palate defects ( such as cleft palate)
Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats – by the time your pet is 3 years old, he or she will very likely have some early evidence of periodontal disease, which will worsen as your pet grows older if effective preventive measures aren’t taken. Early detection and treatment are critical, because advanced periodontal disease can cause severe problems and pain for your pet. Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth. Other health problems found in association with periodontal disease include kidney, liver, and heart muscle changes. The treatment of periodontal disease involves a thorough dental cleaning and x-rays may be needed to determine the severity of the disease. Your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary dentist make recommendations based on your pet’s overall health and the health of your pet’s teeth, and provide you with options to consider.

Why does dentistry require anesthesia?

Anesthesia makes it possible to perform the dental procedures with less stress and pain for your pet. In addition, anesthesia allows for a better cleaning because your pet is not moving around and risking injury from the dental equipment. If radiographs (x-rays) are needed, your pet needs to be very still in order to get good images, and this is unlikely without heavy sedation or anesthesia.

What can I do at home for my pet’s oral health?

Prevention of the most common oral disease in pets consists of frequent removal of the dental plaque and tartar that forms on teeth that are not kept clean. Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth is the single most effective thing you can do to keep their teeth healthy between dental cleanings, and may reduce the frequency or even eliminate the need for periodic dental cleaning by your veterinarian. Daily brushing is best, but it’s not always possible and brushing several times a week can be effective. Most dogs accept brushing, but cats can be a bit more resistant patience and training is important.

Be sure to talk with your veterinarian about any dental products, treats, or dental-specific diets you’re considering for your pet, or ask your veterinarian for their recommendation.

Dr. Bonnie

The Pet of the Month – Ruby


Archive:

Pet Dental Care
Important Reasons to Vaccinate
Firework Anxiety
Heatstroke
Top 5 Reasons to Use Parasite Protection
Foods that are Toxic to Your Dog or Cat
Basic Dental Care for Your Pet
Weight-Loss Diet Plans for Dogs and Cats
Keeping Those Critters Cozy
National Senior Pet Month
Pet Dental Care
Chronic Pain Management
How To Protect Your Pets From Heartworms
Recognizing and Caring for a Sick Pet
Help Your Pet Be Cool This Summer
Dog Bite Prevention
Keeping Toxic Foods Away from Dogs and CatsDog Bite Prevention
Feline Idiopathic Cystitis
Pet Dental Care
A Christmas Wish
Internal Parasites
Bad Breath
Heartworm Prevention
Grooming Your Dog At Home
Reptiles As Pets
Safe Travels
10 Things Veterinarians Wish All Pet Owners Knew
Puppy Obedience Training
Toxic Houseplants at Christmas
A Dog Like Texas
The Truth About Teeth
Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pekingese, Boston Terriers, Chihuahuas
July 2020
Protect your Pets from Rodenticides
About CBD
Thanksgiving Hazards and your Pets
Halloween Tips for Pet Owners
Passionate About Prevention
April is Heartworm Disease Awareness Month
The Ten Commandments of Dog Ownership
Keep Your Cats Indoors
Holiday Hazards
Disaster Preparation for Your Pets
Welcome Home Iris
Understanding & Preventing Heartworm Disease
Cat Coat Colors Can Change Over Time
Pets Need Dental Care, Too
Make This a Summer Your Pets Can Enjoy Too!
Aging Pets Need Special Care
Spring Cleaning
First Aid Essentials for You and Your Pets
Mosquitoes, Fleas & Ticks
Owning a Pet is Good for Your Health
Pets Need Dental Care
MLS Therapeutic Laser
Feline Wellness Exams
Parvo Kills Dogs
Multiple Cat Households