What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know About Dental Disease
Have you ever experienced your family pet trying to snuggle with you? However, you suddenly flinch at the foul odor of your pet dog’s breath; some refer to it as “doggie breath” or “garbage mouth.” Contrary to common belief, foul breath among pets is not normal. If your pet is suffering from bad breath, it could be one of the first signs of a health issue. Did you know that dogs with excellent dental health often live at least two years longer than those with dental problems?
What is dental disease?
Dental disease is an uncomfortable condition that develops from plaque, tartar, and bacteria on teeth that get stuck below the gumline. Poor oral hygiene usually causes lots of dental and general health problems. There is a connection between poor dental health and persistent ailments in pets. You’ll find a well-equipped facility at this vet clinic.
Canine and Feline Dental Diseases
Canines typically develop gum conditions from the accumulation of dental calculus. Food, bacteria, and debris accumulate on the surface of the teeth with time, and it hardens into a cement-like material. This leads to gingivitis and ultimately to gingival recession and bone loss.
Cats are less commonly affected by the periodontal disease from calculus. Nonetheless, they get feline-specific problems like resorptive lesions and stomatitis. These conditions are frequently excruciating and swollen. Routine dental care at facilities like South Wilton Veterinary Group is highly recommended to keep optimal oral health in cats and dogs.
Periodontal diseases are prevalent among canines and felines. The bacteria might get in the bloodstream and wreak havoc on other body organs like kidneys, liver, and heart in advanced situations. Vet diagnostic tools such as x-ray are crucial for identifying diseases in canines and cats.
Dental Diseases in Exotic Pets
Like dogs and felines, exotic pet animals also require dental care. Most exotic pets like iguanas, bearded dragons, rabbits, chinchillas, and various exotic pets need to have routine physical exams at reputable exotic vet care facilities.
The typical dental problem affecting reptiles like snakes and lizards is stomatitis, typically called mouth rot. Turtles and tortoises are less commonly affected with stomatitis, though.
Small herbivores like rabbits and rodents usually have dental issues like elongated teeth that never quit growing. This is common because their diets don’t provide the normal grinding required to maintain their teeth of ideal size.
Dental Disease Prevention
- Start early with your pet’s dental care. Brush their teeth with pet toothpaste daily or a minimum of thrice a week.
- Ask the veterinarian dentist about treats, supplements, and food that can reduce the progression of pet dental disease.
- Avoid feeding your pets with canned food because these tend to stick to their teeth; instead, provide them dry food. Nevertheless, if canned food is what the veterinarian recommended for some dietary functions, you need to follow your veterinarian’s suggestion.
- Be sure to arrange dental visits and have a regular professional dental cleaning as early as one year old.
- Your veterinarian is still the best person who can take care of and monitor your beloved pets’ general and oral health.
