According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have dental disease by the age of 3. Dental (or periodontal) disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem in pets.
Common signs of dental disease include:
- Yellow or brown buildup (tartar) on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Excessive drooling
- Changes in eating or chewing habits
- Pawing at the face
- Loose teeth
- Depression
We recommend you have your veterinarian evaluate your pet’s dental health once a year. Food debris and bacteria accumulate around the teeth and if left unchecked will lead to deterioration of the soft tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. This decay can result in irreversible periodontal disease, tooth loss, and possibly expensive oral surgery. The bacteria can also get into the pet’s bloodstream and cause other issues such as serious infections in the kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart, which if untreated can lead to death. We can show you how to maintain your pet’s dental health by brushing their teeth and using recommended food and treatment to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
Here at Prince Frederick Animal Hospital, we recommend comprehensive dental care to preserve the dental health of your pet. Our recommendations are as follows:
- Tooth brushing three times a week. Most small pets do well with a finger brush, while larger bets will tolerate the toothbrush. Pet toothpaste is required, human toothpaste contains too much fluoride.
- OraVet Dental Chewa, Greenies treat, Enzadent Chews are dental chews that can be given once daily to help clean the teeth.
- Dentahex oral hygiene rinse is useful for pets that won’t tolerate brushing, or don’t like/ can’t chew the treats. It is squirted into the mouth after eating.
- Vetradent water additive helps to control tartar by working against bacteria and altering the environment in the pet’s oral cavity. By simply adding a measured amount directly to the pets drinking water
Call us to Schedule your pet’s dental consultation and cleaning today