Want to see your cat or dog’s oral health flourish? Good dental health in pets can require attention and upkeep. Unfortunately, many pet owners neglect their pet’s oral health, leading to bad breath, gum disease, and tooth loss. We at Peace Arch Veterinary Hospital with a veterinarian in Surrey, British Columbia, urge you to take optimal care of your pet’s teeth and gums if you want to see him or her live a healthier, happier life.
Signs of Poor Oral Health in Pets
It can take little effort to tell when you have neglected your pet’s oral health. If you notice the following symptoms in your dog or cat, it means you are slacking in your pet’s dental health. These signs may include:
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Discolored teeth
- Loose teeth
- Red and swollen gums
- Receding gums
- Tooth loss
- Reluctance to chew because of pain
- Facial swelling
- Pawing at the mouth
Many dogs and cats have some form of gum disease by the time they are three years old. Many pet owners probably do not take great care of the gums and teeth of their pets. The good thing is that you can start taking care of your dog or cat’s oral health quickly, and you may see their dental health start flourishing.
How to Prevent Dental Disease
Just like humans, preventive oral health is vital in pets if you want to keep oral diseases away. But how do you do this? This care isn’t that different from the one you do with your kids. Pet dental care may involve:
Brushing Teeth
Brush your pet’s teeth daily to eliminate food debris that attracts gum disease. You see, when you don’t take care of your pet’s oral health, plaque accumulates and hardens into tartar after a few days. The tartar harbors bacteria that secrete toxins that inflame gums. If tartar isn’t eliminated, gum disease spreads to the tooth-supporting structures, leading to tooth loss.
Brushing your pet’s teeth is a simple way to stop gum disease in its tracks. Brushing teeth eliminates harmful bacteria that cause bad breath and gum infections.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your pet’s teeth. Avoid human toothpaste as it can irritate the stomach. Consult a veterinarian at our animal hospital for pet-friendly toothpaste.
Treats and Chews
Consider pet-friendly chews to discourage the accumulation of plaque. Besides, constant chewing encourages saliva production, which washes away food debris and harmful bacteria. Dental toys are also a great addition to keep your pet’s oral health in great shape.
Veterinary Dental Cleanings
At-home dental care is great, but you need the help of a veterinarian to clean the hard-to-reach surfaces of your pet’s mouth. It’s like what your dentist does to you every six months — scaling the mouth to remove plaque and tartar beneath the gum line and on the tooth’s surface.
Get Pet Dental Care and Animal Care with a Veterinarian in Surrey, British Columbia at Our Animal Hospital
Want to step up your pet dental care? Book an appointment with us at Peace Arch Veterinary Hospital serving Surrey, British Columbia. We offer pet dental care services and other animal care services to help keep your pets healthy and happy. Call us at (604) 536-3131. We have a veterinarian at our animal hospital that can help.
