Why Pet Dentistry Is So Important
Pet dentistry is a vital part of pet care. Just like humans, our furry companions develop tartar and plaque that harbor bacteria, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. If left untreated, this can cause more serious and often fatal conditions like jawbone damage, liver problems, kidney failure, and heart disease.
The good news is that regular dental cleanings can eliminate harmful plaque, restore a proper balance to the mouth’s biosystem, and reduce the risk of developing these kinds of complications.
Professional Dental Cleaning
A professional pet dental cleaning may include the following, depending on your pet’s dental needs.
- Examination and assessment of the current state of oral health
- Cleaning
- Scans
- Extractions, if needed
- Oral Surgery, in more advanced cases
- Bondings
We discuss the possibilities before your friend goes in for treatment, so you know what to expect. We do all of this under general anesthesia since your furry companion doesn’t understand why they need routine oral care and would be unable to sit still.
Warning Signs of Dental Problems in Pets
Cats and dogs won’t always tell us when they’re in pain, but they do provide us with other signs that something is amiss. In the case of oral health problems, be on the lookout for:
- Horrible breath
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Excessive plaque building up along the gumline
- Unusual chewing motions, often accompanied by strange chewing sounds
- Loss of appetite
- Loose, broken, or missing teeth
Note: If your pet stops eating for a day, you should call us immediately. In the wild, animals stop eating when something is seriously wrong.
Pet Dental Care at Home
If your pet allows it, try brushing three times a week. Chew toys can also remove some early plaque before it hardens as part of a more comprehensive plan.
Most pets will experience some dental and gum disease symptoms by age three, so we generally recommend most pet parents schedule a pet dentistry appointment around this time. After that, an annual pet dentistry visit can maintain oral health, reducing both suffering and additional costs associated with allowing dental problems to go untreated.
Connect with Riverside Pet Care to make an appointment.
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