If your cat or dog suffers from foul breath, it can indicate something more serious like periodontal disease. This dental or gum condition in dogs and cats can cause irreversible harm to their teeth, gums, and internal organs.
Below, you will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of sickness so you can avoid periodontal disease completely.
Periodontal Disease in Dogs And Cats
Once your pet reaches three years old, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have indications of periodontal disease. It is a bacterial infection that happens due to dental plaque.
The plaque builds up and hardens into tartar, which firmly adheres to the teeth if you do not regularly clean your pet’s teeth. When tartar and germs become trapped beneath the gum line, it leads to a painful cycle of tooth infection and damage and its supporting tissues. Unfortunately, this is not visible to pet owners.
Your dog or cat will endure growing pain, difficulties eating, and finally, tooth loss, as the periodontal disease worsens. The condition can also cause serious, life-threatening problems with major organs, such as the heart, liver, kidneys, and nervous system. It happens when bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream through bacteremia.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Periodontal disease in pets can cause the following symptoms:
Discolored teeth
Bad breath
Having trouble eating
Pawing at the teeth or mouth
Salivating
Poor or loss of appetite
Weight loss
Nose discharge
Under-eye swelling
Loose or missing teeth
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
How to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth
Brushing your cat’s or dog’s teeth between professional dental examinations is the single most efficient way to maintain oral health. Begin cleaning your pet’s teeth when they are still a puppy or kitten, as young animals adapt to the treatment more easily. Brushing their teeth twice a day is recommended to keep their teeth healthy. Most dogs will ultimately accept brushing, but it takes time and patience until they get used to it.
Brush the outsides of the cheek teeth, located under the top lip. Do not use human toothpaste on your dog or cat because it contains substances that your pet should not consume or inhale.
Pet toothpaste is safe and comes in a variety of flavors that cats and dogs enjoy. You can easily find it in the pet supplies section of your local pet store.
Effective Methods to Keep Your Pet’s Teeth in Good Shape
If your dog or cat is adamant about brushing their teeth, various products in the market can help. Dental washes, gels, chews, and water supplements are all available pet supplies you can try.
Consult your veterinarian before purchasing anything, and look over the list of items that have received the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance for dogs and cats. Your pet will require dental cleanings from a veterinarian in addition to frequent tooth brushing at home.
Professional cleanings, which are more comprehensive than home care, should begin at the age of one to prevent your pets from acquiring periodontal disease. Cleanings are necessary once a year, but how well at-home dental care works determines their frequency.
Conclusion
The ideal time to avoid a disease is before you notice any symptoms. National Pet Dental Health Month is in February, and many vets offer dental care incentives. Now is an excellent time to make an appointment with your veterinarian to begin or maintain your pet’s dental health program. A happy pet is a healthy pet!
Wags to Wiskers is the local pet store you can trust in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, and Ludington. We are a community-based pet supplies store focusing on natural, holistic pet foods. Visit our branches to get high-quality supplies today!