February is Pet Dental Health Awareness Month. Though dental health is incredibly important to a pet’s wellbeing, it can often be overlooked by owners.
Tanya Anderson, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with Gladstone Vet Clinic, explains that neglecting a pet’s oral health can cause infections and lead to serious health concerns.
“It can cause a lot of issues; severe pain, loss of appetite and bad breath,” Anderson explains. “Infections can set off the immune system and increase their risk of heart and kidney disease, worsening diabetes complications and even a broken jaw.”
Dental disease is progressive and worsens over time. With regular care, owners can help their pets live long, happy and pain-free lives. Kalie Miles, a Kenny’s K9 employee and dog coordinator for Paws, outlines the easy options owners have for keeping their pets’ teeth and gums fresh.
“There are so many ways to keep your pets’ teeth clean. You can use a regular toothbrush with some pet safe toothpaste, raw bones and bully sticks,” Miles says. “The different kinds of chews you can get for your dogs these days are awesome. There are also liquid additives you can put in their water and powders for on their food.”
Miles says owners should aim to clean their furry friends’ teeth once a day.
“You just want to make sure you are not rubbing too hard but giving it a good clean – especially those back ones,” Miles explains.
Pets can sometimes hide their pain due to evolutionary survival instincts. This can make it difficult for owners to detect dental problems. Common signs of dental issues include bad breath, excessive tartar, drooling, changes in eating habits, loose or broken teeth, and swollen or bleeding gums.
“With cats they especially hide their pain, so you really want to watch them closely. With dogs, you’ll notice them licking more if their teeth are bothering them. Their personality can change as well so that’s another reason you want to keep a close eye on their teeth.”
Paying close attention to pet dental health and taking preventative steps now, not only keeps pet healthy long-term, but it can also save money down the road as veterinary teeth cleanings can cost hundreds of dollars. Dr. Anderson says while early is best, it is never too late to begin proper pet dental health.
“Better late than never! Can you imagine if you didn’t ever brush your teeth? Your pet’s dental health is just as important!”
link