Imagine not brushing your teeth for weeks or even years! You would never do that, right? Hopefully not. Now think about your pet. When was the last time you brushed your pup’s teeth? His teeth are no different than yours! They are susceptible to the same kind of dental problems, with periodontal disease being the most common. February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so let’s focus on caring for the mouths of our furry friends.
Below are some dental problems that can affect pets:
-Abscess (infection)
-Broken or cracked teeth
-Cysts, tumors, oral cancer
-Misaligned jaw and teeth
-Periodontal disease
-Tooth decay
According to the American Veterinary Medicine Foundation (AVMF),veterinary dentistry includes the cleaning, adjustment, filing, extraction, or repair of your pets' teeth and all other aspects of oral health care. These procedures should be performed by a veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary dentist.
Dental problems are usually accompanied by some level of pain or discomfort. Animals are good at hiding pain, so it’s important to keep a lookout for symptoms or warning signs that something is wrong. When animals are in pain, their behavior can become erratic or even aggressive, so beware of growling and biting if you attempt to investigate the problem. Also, be mindful of the oral health and overall health connection. An oral infection can quickly spread to the rest of the body if left untreated.
The following symptoms should warrant a vet visit:
-Bad breath (worse than average “dog breath”)
-Bleeding or pus from the mouth
-Broken or loose teeth
-Difficulty chewing or eating
-Discolored teeth (tartar buildup)
-Excessive drooling
-Not eating or drinking
-Rubbing face or mouth
-Swelling in the mouth
Going Under Anesthesia
The thought of going under anesthesia might raise some concerns, but if performed by a board-certified veterinarian, it’s completely safe and preferred. While there are always risks with any procedure, the benefits are far greater. Think of your pet! Fido doesn’t understand the importance of his oral health and would most likely go bonkers if the vet tried to pry open his mouth. Anesthesia is used to keep pets still and vets safe, allowing for a thorough exam, cleaning, and x-rays if needed.
Whether it be medical risks or financial responsibility, some people prefer to wait for a teeth cleaning until their pet needs anesthesia for something else. Always consult with your vet before making that decision.
Just like with your own oral health, it’s all about prevention. There are ways to avoid pet dental problems, or at least keep them to a minimum. Surely, you put some thought into your pet’s diet and exercise routine, so be sure to include oral health. Brushing your pup’s teeth might not seem like a walk in the (dog) park, but you should attempt to maintain oral hygiene the best you can.
Oral Hygiene Tips for Pets
- Attend annual wellness visits and teeth cleanings
- Brush teeth regularly with pet-safe toothpaste
- Choose chew toys with the Veterinary Oral Health Council Registered Seal
- Feed a healthy diet – crunchy kibbles are better than soft food, which can stick to teeth
- Start good oral hygiene habits when your pet is young
Now it’s time to test your knowledge on your pet’s oral health. Take this quiz from the American Veterinary Medical Association.
If all this talk about pet oral health is reminding you that it’s time for your cleaning, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.