Five Reasons Why Pet Dental Care Is Important
Posted on: 29 March 2016
If you have a pet cat or dog, you're probably diligent about getting their shots and having an annual wellness exam. However, you may not have thought much about taking care of your pet's teeth. Just like with human teeth, good pet dental care can help ward off infections, prevent painful tooth and gum disease, and help your pet to live a long and healthy life.
Benefits of good pet dental care
1. Reducing bacteria. Bacteria from plaque (and the tartar it causes) as well as decaying food particles can get into your pet's bloodstream and cause a systemic infection over time. This bacteria can even travel to your pet's heart, liver or kidneys, causing damage to these organs. These situations can compromise his or her overall health and even be fatal. Periodic teeth cleaning can help prevent dental bacteria from thriving.
2. Improving your pet's breath. Diseased teeth and decaying food can make your pet's breath smell sour and make those puppy and kitty kisses less than inviting.
3. Saving money on vet bills. As with most wellness veterinarian services, keeping your pet's teeth in good shape can help you avoid expensive veterinary care bills later for things like fighting an infection or having a diseased tooth pulled.
4. Dental problems can be painful. Pets, especially cats, are adept at hiding when they are in pain. However, abscessed teeth and disease gums can be extremely painful for your pet, just as they are for humans. They can also cause him or her to stop eating or to eat only slightly, a situation that can lead to weight loss and a host of other health problems. Painful teeth and gums can also compromise your pet's quality of life and cause him or her to stop enjoying things like playing ball, walks outside and eating favorite foods.
5. Your pet can lose teeth. As with human teeth, diseased pet teeth can become so compromised that they become chipped, fall out or have to be pulled. As there is no way to replace pet teeth, losing teeth can affect your cat or dog's ability to eat and get the nourishment he or she needs.
Make sure that your pet cat or dog is getting the good dental care he or she needs. If you haven't discussed regular teeth cleaning and home dental care with your veterinarian, remember to bring the topic up at your next appointment.
Contact a group such as Clayton Veterinary Associates to learn more.
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