When was the last time you looked in your pet’s mouth? Every year, we spend a few months outlining and educating the importance of dental health and oral hygiene. But in reality, this should be discussed all year round.
Did you know that when a cat or dog has dental disease, it often goes undetected? Why? Because a pet with dental disease is in pain long before they stop eating. Dogs and cats will not show they are in pain (this is a survival instinct). In fact, dogs and cats feel dental pain just as much as we do. They have around 60% more of the highly sensitive nerve endings in their teeth.
Dental disease is one of the most common problems in dogs and cats. Over 70%-80% of dogs and cats over the age of 3 have some sort of dental disease. And if left untreated it can turn into periodontitis often resulting in tooth loss and damage in the later stages.
Symptoms of dental disease include
- Bad breath – doggie breath is NOT normal! (it’s a sign of infection)
- Yellow or brown stains on the teeth
- Redness on the gums
- Difficulty eating
- Loose teeth
Prevention is better than cure! Here are some tips to ensure your pet’s mouth is comfortable all year round.
- Check your pet’s teeth regularly (we’ll show you how!)
- Brush your pet’s teeth regularly (we’ll also show you how!)
- Have your vet check their teeth at least twice a year (we also do this as part of their annual health check
- Homecare products such as diet, and dental treats and chews help to physically clean as they eat and help to reduce plaque and tartar
- A scale and polish by your vet will also keep on top of their oral hygiene.
So – when was the last time you checked your pet’s mouth? If you are concerned or would like to keep on top of their oral health you can make an appointment here.