It is important to brush our teeth, but our pet’s teeth also require adequate care. Maintaining your pet’s oral hygiene is essential in optimizing their overall health. Dental disease is a leading cause of death in cats and greatly affects dogs too. According to PetMeds, the periodontal (dental) disease is an epidemic condition in dogs and cats, affecting almost 90% of adult pets. Starting a proper dental routine for your pets can tremendously prevent the start or spread of dental disease. Here is what to look for!

Symptoms

Most pets will start to exhibit signs that directly point to a dental issue. Unfortunately, when you begin to notice a change in their teeth, the dental disease has already begun. If your furry friend starts to show any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately.

1. Bleeding or bright red gums
2. Loose teeth
3. Bad Breath
4. Blood in water
5. Bloody or extreme salivation
6. Chewing on one side of the mouth
7. Making noises while eating or yawning
8. Head or mouth sensitivity

What’s Next?

If your pet shows signs of dental disease, it is imperative to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. Dental disease affects not only the teeth and mouth but can lead to further damage elsewhere. Dental disease impacts the animal’s immune systems, vital organs, and quality of life if ignored. Once you notify your vet, they will either come up with a treatment plan or recommend you to a veterinary dentist. A veterinary dentist specializes in animal dental health and does everything a typical dentist would do. This includes cleanings, fillings, extractions, repairs, and other parts of dental care. If your pet is experiencing dental decay, tooth loss, and needs removal, a vet dentist knows what to do. In extreme cases, some animals will be under anesthesia for specific dental procedures.

Preventative Measures

As stated before, the likelihood of disease is lowered through preventative measures. If you are administering general dental care, your pet will likely avoid dental discomfort. There are many ways to include dental hygiene in your pet’s routine. You should brush your pet’s teeth at least twice a week, if not more. Think of their teeth like ours; the more you brush the better they’ll be. Make sure your furry friend visits the vet at least once a year because, during a regular check-up, their teeth are checked. Pet dental products are everywhere, but not all of them work. It is vital to check with your vet before introducing any dental products to your pet.

If you are interested in more information about pet dental care, visit Andes-Straley Veterinary Hospital online here. At Andes-Straley, we provide a variety of services, including animal dentistry, general medicine, general surgery, and more. If you would like to schedule an appointment or talk to one of our vets, you can call us at (423) 378-4443 today! Ensure your pet the best care by visiting Andes-Straley!