Why is Good Dental Health Important to Your Pets?

In dogs and cats, periodontal disease (gum disease is the number one diagnosed problem. By the age of just two, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease, which can lead to other problems throughout the body. For this reason, it’s very important for animals to have their teeth examined and cleaning at least annually.

Signs that your pet may have dental disease include diminished appetite, a sudden preference for canned food over dry food, as well as bleeding from the mouth and loose teeth, sneezing and nasal discharge. However, you may see no clinical signs at all, which is why visits to your veterinarian are so important.

Good Oral Health Care is an Important Part of Overall Good General Health Care for Your Pet.

Other signs of oral and dental disease in dogs and cats.

• Bad Breath
• Teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
• Your pet shies away from you when you touch the mouth area
• Loss of weight

If you think your pet needs dental care, it is recommended you make an appointment with your veterinarian.

A Word About Anesthesia Free Dental Cleanings/Non-Anethetic “Dentals”

Anesthesia free dentals procedures are not able to clean beneath the gum-line to prevent periodontal disease, nor are they able to look beneath the gum-line to identify problems before they become painful and expensive to treat.

When choosing your pet’s dental care, it’s important to learn about a comprehensive veterinary dental cleaning, also known as a professional dental cleaning, and its long term benefits for your pet’s overall health.

Plague and Tartar Control

Prevention of the most common oral disease in pets (and in people) consists of frequent removal of the dental plague and tartar that forms on teeth that are not kept clean.

The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) awards its Seal of Acceptance to products that successfully meet pre-set criteria for effectiveness in controlling plaque and tartar deposition in dogs and cats. The VOHC is an entity of the American Veterinary Dental College.

If you would like information on products that will help control deposition of dental plaque and tartar on the teeth of your pet, ask your veterinarian on your pet’s next appointment or click: Veterinary Oral Health Council.