February is National Pet Dental Health Month! Oral health care for your pet is extremely important, just as it is for you. Without proper care, your cat or dog can easily develop periodontal disease, halitosis, jaw problems, and more. At your pet’s annual checkup, make sure that your vet is also doing a full dental workup to ensure that they will catch any early signs of a problem. Additionally, if you notice that your pet has particularly bad breath, swelling around the mouth, broken teeth, etc., call your vet for an appointment right away.
Potential Dental Problems
The most common dental condition in dogs and cats is periodontal disease; many show signs of this condition by the age of three. This disease ought to be caught early, as advanced periodontal disease can lead to overall health problems. Dogs and cats can experience changes in their kidney, liver, and heart muscles with advanced periodontal disease. Other problems that your pet can develop include broken teeth, abscesses or infected teeth, cysts or tumors, misalignment of the teeth and bit, broken jaw, and more. Without regular dental care and vet appointments, your pet will likely experience at least one of these conditions.
At Home Oral Health
Obviously, you cannot take your pet to the vet every day for dental care. Just like with your teeth, regular brushing is the best thing you can do for your pet. Our veterinarians will be able to show you the best way to brush your pet’s teeth, along with recommend chew toys that can help their teeth instead of damage. With regular brushing and an annual vet appointment that includes dental care, your pet should be fine. However, you will want to keep an eye out for the aforementioned signs, such as any swelling or broken teeth.
Dental Health Month
February may be Pet Dental Health Month, but every month is the right time to take care of your pets’ teeth! Contact Metro Vet for more tips and to schedule an appointment today!
Courtesy of: AVMA
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