Research reveals that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over 3 years old live with oral health issues. Dental diseases are known to cause discomfort and complications for your furry friends, worsening periodontal issues, causing plaque buildup, and increasing the risk of organ damage.
In today’s articles, we’ll explore why dental care matters for your pets and how to minimize the risk of oral diseases. Let’s dive in!
Why is Dental Care Important for Cats and Dogs?
Maintaining good pet oral hygiene can prevent tartar, mouth swelling, bad breath, premature wear of the teeth, joint pain, and infections of key organs: liver, heart and kidneys. Here are several reasons to focus on your cat or dog’s dental health:
(i) Minimizes Oral Pain
Many oral health issues can cause severe discomfort and pain in your pet’s teeth and gums. In addition, dental diseases can affect their appetite, behavior, and mood.
Prioritizing dental care ensures that your furry best friend can enjoy a pain-free and comfortable life, allowing them to remain ever playful.
(ii) Curbs Bad Breath
If your nose cringes when your cat or dog opens their mouth, they need oral cleaning. Poor dental health causes bacterial buildup as food particles cling to the gums and promote plaque and tartar.
Regular brushing and good quality dental treats ensure your pet’s mouth stays healthy and happy, helping to remove bacteria and creating enjoyable interactions with your furry companion.
(iii) Prevents Worsening of Disease
Bacteria buildup in the plaque biofilm can enter your pet’s bloodstream, traveling from the mouth to the heart, liver, and kidneys. The process is called bacteremia and can damage your dog or cat’s organs through secondary infections.
However, maintaining oral health can mitigate the risk of bacteremia, ensuring your dog is safe from diseases and healthy for years to come!
(iv) Eliminates Risk of Tooth Loss
Your pet may experience tooth loss due to untreated dental problems which over time weaken their gums. When the structures supporting your furry friend’s teeth become infected, the teeth may loosen or break.
Therefore, good oral hygiene and regular cleanings ensure your dog and cat’s mouth stays clean and healthy. Pet owners must also monitor for signs of dental diseases, allowing them to mitigate the risk of tooth loss.
How Can You Prevent Oral Diseases in Pets?
If your furry friend has poor oral health, it’s time to adopt the following best practices:
Go for Regular Checkups
A comprehensive oral checkup of your cat or dog’s mouth allows the veterinarian to spot signs of dental disease. Schedule regular examinations to ensure your furry best friend stays happy and healthy.
Brush Your Furry Friend’s Teeth
Proper brushing of your cat or dog’s teeth is crucial to physically removing plaque. You can purchase high-quality pet toothbrushes and toothpaste to minimize the risk of worsening dental issues.
Remember to brush your pet’s teeth at a 45-degree angle to remove the food particles clinging to gums and teeth.
Take Advantage of Dental Products
Water treatments and dental products can help soften plaque, prevent tartar from sticking to the pet’s teeth, and ensure better oral health. Innovative oral health solutions can minimize bacteria in your pet’s mouth.
Besides regular check-ups which may impact your household budget, you can invest in inexpensive dental chews and teeth toys that help keep your furry companion’s mouth free from tartar, massaging their gums, and preventing discomfort.
The Bottom Line
The accumulation of food, bacteria, and poor dental hygiene are known to foster tartar and plaque buildup, creating a painful experience for your cats and dogs. Pet owners must address these periodontal issues before they worsen and cause secondary infections.
Regular vet examinations, professional dental cleanings, appropriate chew toys, and proper tooth brushing are the best ways to improve your furry best friend’s oral health, ensuring they’re safe and healthy.
Sources
https://www.vetent.co.nz/pets/articles/your-pets-oral-health
https://www.stfrancisvh.com/blog/7-reasons-why-dental-care-for-dogs-is-important/
https://www.petmd.com/news/view/5-reasons-why-dog-dental-care-important-38003
https://www.northshorevet.com.au/news/the-importance-of-dental-care-for-your-pet/