Your pet’s dental health is just as important as their physical and mental well-being. Poor oral hygiene can lead to serious issues such as cavities, resorptive lesions, gingivitis and periodontal disease. These conditions can cause your pet discomfort and can even be life-threatening if left untreated. To ensure that your furry friend lives a long, healthy life, it’s important to understand the basics of pet dental care and how to maintain good oral hygiene for your pet.
Cavities in Dogs and Resorptive Lesions in Cats
Cavities are caused by bacteria that live in plaque buildup on the teeth. Untreated cavities can result in tooth loss or abscesses which may require surgery to resolve. Resorptive lesions are similar but occur most frequently in cats due to their unique anatomy; they are caused by bacteria that erode the enamel on the cat’s teeth leading to pain and eventual tooth loss unless treated properly. Symptoms include bad breath, difficulty eating or chewing food, discoloration of the teeth (brown or yellow spots), and excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth.
Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease in Pets
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that can lead to periodontal disease if left untreated. This bacterial infection affects both cats and dogs and can be identified through symptoms such as bleeding gums, redness around the gum line, receding gums and bad breath. In more severe cases, pets may also experience difficulty eating or drinking due to painful swelling along with fever and lethargy due to infection spreading throughout their body. Thankfully, both gingivitis and periodontal disease can be treated successfully through professional cleanings if caught early enough.
Preventative Care for Puppies and Kittens
During pet dental visits, your vet will clean any plaque buildup from your pet’s teeth as well as check for any signs of infection or decay that could lead to more serious issues down the road. After this initial exam/cleaning combo visit, pets should have regular checkups every year (or sooner depending on your veterinarian’s recommendation) to catch problems before they become too severe—which could save you time and money further down the road!
What Pet Owners Can Do At Home to Help Their Pet’s Dental Health
At home, pet owners should develop a routine that cares for their pet’s teeth. These steps include:
- Brushing pet’s teeth with a pet-friendly toothpaste
- Providing quality dental chews or other pet-safe dental treats
- Monitoring for any changes in the pet’s gum color or shape of teeth
Scheduling routine professional cleanings as recommended by your veterinarian.
Pet Dental Health Extends Your Pet’s Quality of Life
Regular checkups not only help prevent costly problems but they also have been known to extend a pet’s life by 2-4 years! This is because regular checkups allow vets to identify small issues before they become major illnesses which could potentially shorten a pet’s lifespan if left untreated too long. Additionally, regular checkups give vets more opportunities to provide advice on proper diet/exercise regimens tailored specifically for each individual pet; this helps keep them healthy overall so they can enjoy a longer life with fewer trips back into the vet office!
Ensuring your pet has good dental health is essential if you want them living happy & healthy lives alongside you and your family! Regular checkups will help identify any potential issues early so you can work with your vet on developing treatment plans and preventive measures tailored specifically toward each case – ultimately helping extend their quality & quantity of life! Smyrna’s furry friends deserve nothing less than optimal care when it comes time for a visit at their local vet office – so make sure you understand what goes into keeping those chompers sparkling clean!
About VeterinaryCare at Belmont™
We are a veterinarian in Smyrna, GA dedicated to offering the best care for your pet. Our veterinarian and staff are passionate about providing personalized medical treatments and preventive care so that your family companion can live a healthy, happy life. We understand that our furry friends have special needs and we strive to provide state-of-the-art care in a compassionate and friendly atmosphere. With access to the latest technologies, our veterinarian is equipped with the tools needed for thorough examinations, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment options. Our team is always available to answer any concerns you may have so you can feel confident knowing your beloved pet is receiving the best care possible. At VeterinaryCare at Belmont™, we look forward to welcoming you and your furry family member!