Posts Tagged: pet dental care

Your pet may never need to have that Top Model, pearly white smile, but their oral health is definitely linked to overall health. Just like with us, plaque and tartar can develop on their teeth and progressively deteriorate the teeth and gums. Pet dental disease is not only painful but can also lead to diseases of other organs.

Home dental health is a must for your pet’s well-being and the team at Animal Medical Hospital and 24 Hour Urgent Care is here to help you learn how to brush your pet’s teeth!

There are definitive ways to prevent periodontal disease, but like other facets of health, the journey starts at home. Sure, it can be an uphill battle to convince some pets that daily tooth brushing can be fun, but routine pet dental care, both at home and in the veterinarian’s office, sets the stage for long term health and wellness. 

Setting the Tone

One reason for annual wellness checks is the opportunity to look inside your pet’s mouth. A quick flip of the lip can be informative, but it really is only one piece of the puzzle. We might be able to quickly ascertain that some level of dental disease is present because of bleeding or inflamed gums, or foul-smelling breath. 

It used to be that pet owners would simply grin and bear their pet’s foul-smelling breath. However, it’s no longer recommended to accept doggie breath or tuna breath as natural. The first sign that there are problems in the mouth is bad breath! 

Because pet dental care is linked to so many different areas of overall health, caring for their teeth and gums is absolutely crucial to their longevity.

Adult Pet Problems

The vast majority of cats and dogs over the age of two suffer from periodontal (gum) disease. While it’s not viewed as an issue plaguing younger pets, the fact is, gum disease is 100% preventable. If a pet dental care routine is established early on, a pet stands a better chance of enjoying a longer, healthier life. 

Of the many things we check during your pet’s routine wellness exam, the health of their teeth and gums ranks pretty high. Even a brief peek inside gives us a basic understanding of their current oral health – and what the future might bring. Without regular teeth cleaning and at-home pet dental care, the animals we love may face serious health risks.

Committing to the Big Picture

Brushing your pet’s teeth might seem like just another chore you can push to the back burner. This is especially true if your pet is opposed to the activity. However, by introducing the act of brushing in a positive way – and rewarding your pet – they’re more likely to believe this is just another act of love on your part (and it is!).  

We all know how important regular dental care is for ourselves and our children. We brush twice a day, floss and see our dentist annually for checkups and professional cleaning. But what if we told you that regular pet dental care is just as important?

It’s true! If you imagine what it would feel like to never brush your teeth or see a dentist, you begin to get the picture. Taking good care of your pet’s oral health is of vital importance. Animal Medical Hospital shows you why!

A Common Problem

Dental disease in pets is extremely common. Studies show that by the time our pets reach 4 years of age, 85% of them have some form of dental disease. But many of us don’t realize this problem exists, until dental disease is advanced. Most pet owners don’t regularly look into their pets’ mouths, and pets are masters at hiding their pain and discomfort, making it even more difficult to know when there’s a problem. Continue…