Freeburg Animal Hospital Blog
Year-Round Pet Dental Care: Why It Matters
February is Pet Dental Health Month and it’s a great time for pet owners to brush up on their pet care knowledge. Just like humans, pets need good dental healthcare. That’s why it’s important to understand the basics of taking care of your pet’s teeth and gums all year round. Let’s dive into the significance of proper pet dental health and how you can keep your pets healthy and happy.
Why Is Pet Dental Health Essential?
Your pet’s teeth are an essential part of their overall health and well-being. Poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth decay, infections, and other serious medical conditions such as heart disease and kidney damage. Dental decay and infections can also affect your pet’s appetite, energy levels, and overall quality of life. Therefore, taking care of your pet’s dental health should be a priority all year long, not just during Pet Dental Health Month in February.
Can you imagine eating dinner if your teeth ached or you had excruciating mouth pain? Our pets are unable to vocalize to us when they are feeling uncomfortable, so it’s crucial for us to take the necessary steps to ensure their teeth and gums are healthy.
How To Take Care Of Your Pet's Teeth & Gums
The first step in taking care of your pet's dental health is regular brushing with pet-specific toothpaste (never use human toothpaste). This will help remove plaque and tartar buildup from their teeth which can cause decay or gum disease. You can also ask us about supplementing brushing with oral rinses or wipes designed specifically for pets. These can help reduce bad breath and discoloration on their teeth. Finally, regular checkups at the vet are key for spotting any potential problems before they become too severe.
In addition to regular brushing, there are some other ways you can keep your pet’s mouth healthy. Providing them with chew toys that help scrub away some plaque buildup or giving them dental treats that are formulated to reduce tartar build-up while freshening breath naturally may be beneficial. There are a variety of options available, so you should look for ones that work best for your pet based on size, age, breed, and lifestyle. Our veterinary team can point you in the right direction for the products we recommend.
For the best dental health, getting your pet's teeth professionally cleaned with us will help identify issues below the gumline. We can then remove or treat teeth that may present additional health issues to your pet.
Signs of Oral Problems in Pets
It can be tough for owners to tell if their pets have any kind of oral problems since they can't communicate when they're feeling pain or discomfort in the same way that humans do. As responsible pet owners, we need to pay close attention to any changes in our pets' behavior such as decreased appetite or difficulty chewing food—these may be signs of an underlying dental issue that needs immediate attention. Other signs include bad breath (which is common with periodontal disease) or drooling or bleeding from the mouth (which could indicate an abscess). Contact us immediately if you notice any of these signs in your pet.
Taking care of your pet's dental health is essential for keeping them healthy and happy throughout the year - not just during Pet Dental Health Month in February! With these tips in mind, you'll have one less thing to worry about when it comes to keeping your furry family member happy and healthy!
Oreo’s journey:
Oreo was brought to us one night after being hit by a car. He suffered a broken leg and road rash, luckily he had no other serious injuries.
After several days of love, care, and hard work Oreo is out of his cast and doing a lot better! He will be looking for a new home soon!
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