Pets need dental care, too!
Dental disease is the most common health issue in pets, affecting 78% of dogs and 68% of cats. Yes, you really can brush your pet’s teeth. It’s not that hard! (We can teach you if you need help)
Does your pet’s mouth smell eww?
Odor can signal serious health problems. A pet’s periodontal disease could lead to pain and tooth loss.Toy breeds may be more prone to dental disease. And 70% of cats over 4 have dental disease. It’s so important for your pet to receive proper dental care. Always check your pet’s mouth. Dry food may help your pet control tarter, but never use human toothpaste on your pet! It can be toxic if they swallow it.
Common mouth myths: True or False?
1. Pets are supposed to have bad breath. FALSE.
An odour is not normal. Just like in people, bad breath in pets is often a sign of dental disease and requires treatment to safeguard your pets health.
2. Pets don’t need regular oral hygiene. FALSE.
Even with regular cleanings at your veterinary practice, your pet still needs regular tooth brushing to keep his breath sweet and his pearly whites sparkling.
3. Pet’s mouths clean themselves. FALSE.
While there are natural enzyme systems at work in your pet’s mouth, it will not keep your pets mouth clean. Debris builds up on your pets teeth which requires brushing or rubbing to keep the mouth fresh.
4. Cats don’t need dental care. FALSE.
Cats and small breed dogs require more dental care then larger-breed dogs.
5. Cats have stinky breath because they eat stinky food. FALSE.
An odour in the cat’s mouth is a sign of a health problem, and you should discuss your pet’s problem with your veterinarian.
Prevention: the best medicine
You can prevent bad breath and dental disease with regular oral care. Your veterinarian recommends daily tooth brushing. This is the best way to keep your pets mouth healthy. You may also use daily oral hygiene rinses, dental diets, water adhesives, and safe chew toys to keep your pets mouth clean.
Signs your pet is suffering from dental disease:
- Bad breath
- Red gums (healthy gums are pink, shrimp-like colour)
- Pus oozing from gums
- Facial swelling
- Yellow or brownish build up on teeth
- Pain
Another clue that your pet may be in pain is it goes to the food bowl backs away as if scared or drops food from its mouth.
Treatments: what we will do
Our veterinarian will conduct a thorough head to toe exam as well as a comprehensive oral exam.
If the doctor identifies signs of dental disease, he or she may recommend preanesthetic testing.
This may include blood work to see whether your pet is a candidate for anaesthesia. It is necessary for your pet to be anaesthetized for our veterinarian to fully diagnose the source of the problem and take steps to correct it.
Remember, untreated dental problems in pets have been linked to serious medical problems, including heart, liver, and kidney disease; schedule an appointment with our hospital.
To book a free dental check up for your pet, please call: 905 303 0322.