Pet dental disease is something that creeps up over time if left unattended. It can be tempting to skip out on pet wellness checks when everything is going fine with your dog or cat, but those checkups are where a veterinarian takes a look at your pet’s teeth (and everything else). If dental disease is spotted early during a wellness check, pets are almost always going to have a better outcome from treatment!
Recognizing Pet Dental Disease
Every dog or cat is eventually going to develop dental disease. Since you spend a lot more time with your pet than we do, you can watch for potential problems and if you notice something, call us to schedule a dental appointment.
Here are the signs of pet dental disease to watch for:
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Red or swollen gums
- Plaque and tartar buildup on teeth
- Pet becomes a reluctant eater
- Cat shakes its head from side to side while eating
Your Pet’s Diet and Dental Disease
Your pet’s food can actually contribute to dental problems, in more ways than one. If your pet lived in the wild, how often would it eat dry kibble? Never, right? Dogs and cats have sharp teeth that are built for tearing meat. They don’t have flat molars in the back like humans do, which are built for chewing food.
As a pet spends its life cracking dry kibble with those back teeth, it can eventually cause problems like chipping, cracking, or severe dental disease. Kibble can also grind the surfaces of teeth down. This is especially true in cats, which sometimes require the removal of all of their back teeth later in life.
The nutritional value of your pet’s food also plays a role in its dental health. Select foods that provide the proper nutrition for your pet’s bones and teeth. Ask our office for suggestions for appropriate food choices for your pet, based on their age and overall health.
Professional Teeth Cleanings Make a Huge Difference
Bringing your pet in for a professional cleaning from the dentist is one of the best ways to prevent dental disease. We’ll examine your pet and do some preliminary blood work because a teeth cleaning requires anesthesia. Your pet will be asleep for the cleaning, and we may or may not send you home with a course of antibiotics following the treatment (if gum disease is present). We’ll also provide you with information about how often your pet should come in for cleanings and checkups.
Dental disease in pets is a problem that is often overlooked by their owners. Sea Oats Animal Hospital is here to help you keep on top of every aspect of your pet’s health, including their teeth!
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