At first, it may seem as though teeth-brushing and dentist visits are only required for humans. However, vets recommend dental care for pets, too! Is this a hoax, or do you really need to brush your dog or cat’s teeth and schedule regular dental cleanings for your pet? The short answer is YES! Here are the top reasons why pets really do need dental care.
Tooth & Gum Problems Cause Bad Breath
Despite common misconceptions, doggy breath is not normal! The smell of bacteria may gross you out every time you get a whiff of your pup’s breath. This is a sign your dog’s teeth and gums need attention before the problem becomes any worse.
Gum Disease Is Incredibly Common in Pets
Dental care is one of the most commonly overlooked responsibilities of owning a pet. For this reason, as much as 70 percent of cats and 80 percent of dogs age three and over have periodontal disease—a totally preventable condition! This advanced form of gum disease is characterized by inflamed gums and other structures that support the teeth.
In addition to causing bad breath, gum disease can be very painful and lead to tooth loss. This could make eating difficult, forcing your dog or cat to swallow food whole and experience digestive issues as a result.
Don’t wait until it becomes an issue, contact Germantown Vet for pet dentistry services now at 240-252-7467!
Dental Problems Can Affect Your Pet’s Overall Health
Oral disease is linked to all sorts of health issues in humans and animals alike. According to the American Veterinary Dental College, periodontal disease, in particular, can cause problems with the heart, liver, and kidneys. Ultimately, if you keep the teeth and gums healthy, you help keep your pet’s whole body healthy!
Preventative Dental Care for Pets Can Save You Money
As if keeping your pet free of pain and discomfort wasn’t enough, preventative oral care can save you money by avoiding costly treatments later. Dogs and cats are very good at hiding pain—in fact, it’s a survival mechanism. This means you may never know your pet has a dental problem until it becomes quite severe. Preventative care can help you catch and treat problems early, so they never advance to a painful, expensive-to-treat stage.
Provide Dental Care for Your Pet at Home and at the Vet’s Office
We recommend brushing your dog’s teeth or cat’s teeth on a daily basis with a special pet toothbrush and toothpaste. You can also provide dental chews, treats, and food to help keep your pet’s teeth clean.
Then, schedule professional teeth cleanings once a year for your dog or cat. In addition to removing tartar and helping to prevent gum disease and cavities, your vet can check for painful abscesses, fractures, and other abnormalities with dental x-rays for pets.
Schedule Pet Dental Care at Germantown Vet Clinic
Once you decide to make dental care a priority, choose Germantown Vet to perform the services your pet needs. Our advanced vet hospital is outfitted with all the equipment necessary to provide your pet with the very best dental care. We also offer affordable vet dental plans for just $21 per month! We make it easy to maintain your pet’s health without unexpected vet bills.
To learn more about why pets need dental care, or to schedule a visit for your dog or cat, please call Germantown Vet at 240-252-7467 today or contact us online!
