Keep Your Pet Smiling
Not every Gates Mills pet parent gets a close look inside their cat or dog’s mouth. Veterinarians can help identify problems early and care for animals with mild to advanced dental issues.
Pet dental care is important, not only to keep their breath fresh but because tooth and gum disease can have negative effects on their kidney, liver, and heart.
Healthy Teeth and Gums
The next time you take your pet to their veterinarian, ask if your pet’s teeth and gums are healthy. During a physical exam, they can quickly check for any problems.
The next time you take your pet to their veterinarian, ask if your pet’s teeth and gums are healthy. During a physical exam, they can quickly check for any problems.
Healthy teeth are not crowded, should look white to slightly yellow or brown, and gums should be a normal color. Breath should smell clean, and saliva should be clear and watery.
Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats
It can be difficult to tell if pets are in pain, so veterinarians help identify problems.
It can be difficult to tell if pets are in pain, so veterinarians help identify problems.
Signs of dental disease include:
- Pawing at the mouth
- Head shaking
- Dropping food while eating
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Excessive drooling
- Weight loss
Preventing Tooth and Gum Disease
The best thing to do is brush their teeth to prevent tartar buildup.
The best thing to do is brush their teeth to prevent tartar buildup.
Tooth Brushing
Introduce your pet to a toothbrush. Many stores sell pet-safe toothpaste.
Introduce your pet to a toothbrush. Many stores sell pet-safe toothpaste.
Choose the Right Food
Feeding a balanced commercial pet food recommended by your veterinarian can help maintain oral health.
Feeding a balanced commercial pet food recommended by your veterinarian can help maintain oral health.
Professional Cleanings
Your vet may recommend annual cleanings. General anesthesia is required for dental procedures, even routine cleanings.
Your vet may recommend annual cleanings. General anesthesia is required for dental procedures, even routine cleanings.
Smiling Pets, Smiling Pet Parents
Talk to your veterinarian about keeping your pet’s mouth healthy. Paying attention to dental care can add years to their lives and save you money.
Talk to your veterinarian about keeping your pet’s mouth healthy. Paying attention to dental care can add years to their lives and save you money.
For a more detailed list of tips on this topic, visit onehealth.org/blog/keep-your-pet-smiling-understanding-pet-dental-care-helps-avoid-costly-expenses or scan this QR code with your phone's camera app.