Pet Dental Health Guide: Keeping your pet’s teeth and gums healthy is an important, but sometimes neglected, part of pet care. Most of us probably don’t give much thought to how to keep our four-legged companions’ teeth clean, even if we wash and floss every day.

The need for regular dental checkups for animals is comparable to that of people. Among the many frequent health issues that dogs face, dental illness ranks highly. When your cat doesn’t get enough dental care, it may affect their mood, health, and behaviour. Poor mouth shape also contributes to poor oral hygiene.

How can you ensure that your pet’s teeth and gums are always in the best possible shape? Let’s have a look at some tips.

Healthy Food for Healthy Teeth and Gums

The foods that pets eat have a significant impact on their oral health. For example, when pets chew and gnaw on certain foods, it helps to eliminate tartar and plaque from their teeth. Modern dental diets for pets are just as beneficial as giving them a regular brushing.

If you want to help your cat or dog keep their teeth healthy, see your vet about developing a special diet.

Check for Signs of Poor Oral Health

Check for changes or damage to your pet’s teeth on a regular basis by visually inspecting them. The accumulation of germs in plaque is the first cause of oral health problems such as tartar formation and tooth decay.

If you see any yellowing, browning, or holes in your pet’s teeth, it might be a sign of tartar or decay. The following are some indicators of poor dental hygiene that might eventually cause problems:

Bad breath
Difficulty eating or chewing
Loose teeth or teeth falling out
Bleeding gums
Increased dribbling/drooling
Pawing at mouth as though painful

The oral health of your pet depends on your quick response to these warning signals. Because issues with the teeth may spread to other parts of the body, including the kidneys, heart, and liver, you will be doing them a favour by assisting their general health.

Regular Check Ups and Preventative Healthcare

Veterinarians practice preventative medicine by stressing the need of regular checkups, vaccines, dental treatment, and proper diet for the long-term health of pets. As a result, pet owners may avoid spending a fortune on costly emergency treatments, surgeries, and dental care.

If you take your pet to the doctor on a regular basis, the vet will be able to monitor his or her mouth, teeth, and gums for any changes that might indicate an issue. You may save money in the long run while improving the comfort and health of your cats and dogs in the short term by treating them sooner rather than later.

Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital offers a range of affordable wellness packages that provide regular preventative care for the health of your cat and/or dog, including dental checks. For additional details or to schedule an appointment, get in touch with the veterinary staff.