February is National Pet Dental Health Month! This month is dedicated to educating pet owners on the importance of dental care for their furry companions. Just as a dentist stresses the importance of brushing our teeth daily, it is equally as important for our pets to maintain good oral health. A wide range of factors affect an animal’s dental health such as diet, age and breed. Proper dental care plays an essential role in our pet’s overall health and taking the necessary steps to prevent additional health issues is crucial.
Impact of Poor Pet Dental Health
Dental disease is one of the most common health problems affecting dogs and cats. Common dental issues faced by dogs include periodontal disease, gingivitis, tooth fractures and dental abscesses. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health concerns such as infection, inflammation and tooth loss. Additional diseases such as heart, kidney, liver and bacterial infections can occur if bacteria from the build-up plaque enters the bloodstream. It is important for pet owners to be aware of the warning signs associated with poor dental health and prevent serious consequences.
Early Signs of Dental Diseases in Pets
- Bad breath
- Pain in mouth
- Fractured or broken tooth
- Bleeding gums
- Facial swelling
- Tartar and plaque buildup
- Discolored teeth
- Difficulty chewing
- Abscesses
- Weight loss
To mitigate the risk of your pet developing dental disease, pet owners should take action to create a routine for their furry companions to promote dental health.
Here are some helpful tips to include in your pet’s dental routine:
- Active home dental care: Brushing their teeth daily to remove build-up of plaque and tartar is a key component to preventing oral issues and tackling early signs of dental disease.
- Dental treats: Treats such as dental chews and toy bones can help clean their teeth, massage their gums and reduce plaque and tartar build-up. Although, these are not a substitute for brushing your pet’s teeth.
- Professional cleanings: Teeth cleanings performed by your veterinarian can remove bacteria from below the gum-line and prevent cavities and plaque build-up that cannot be reached from a home cleaning.
- Schedule routine check-ups: Bringing your pet to their veterinarian for their annual check-up can detect potential health issues before they escalate.
- Chew toys: Chewing is important behavior for your pets because it cleans tartar off their teeth and helps produce well-formed jaw muscles.
- Healthy diet: Feeding your pet a nutritional, well-balanced diet influences the overall well-being of your pet.
Dental care for pets can be easily overlooked if not prioritized by pet owners. Prioritizing good dental health for our pets contributes to their overall well-being and happiness. By implementing regular dental care routines, your pet is guaranteed to wear a healthy smile.
Lakeside Animal Hospital in Plantation is offering $50 off dental cleanings and 20% off dental products. Call or text to schedule an appointment today: 954-474-8808
