You have heard your veterinarian say over and over again to pay special attention to your pet’s dental health and that Fido’s bad breath is not just a bad case of halitosis. Every year, you take Fluffy in for her annual wellness exam, and they note that she could use a dental. Your veterinarian is not just trying to make a couple hundred dollars off of you and your pet. They want to prevent future problems from occurring in your dog’s or cat’s health. Follow the steps below to prevent your dog or cat from having a dental disease that causes other issues.
Annual Exams for Pets is Essential
It can be easy to say no to annual exams. You may think an extra $150 for your 3-year-old pet wastes time and money. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 70–80% of cats and dogs have developed periodontal disease by age three!
Knowing what steps to take at the first signs of periodontal disease can help prevent further damage to your pet’s mouth and teeth.
Brushing Your Dog’s or Cat’s Teeth
Brushing your pet’s teeth, especially a cat, is not the easiest task. However, if your pet allows it, it is the number one most effective way to prevent periodontal disease. If brushing every day is not an option, a few times a week will still be beneficial. Ask your veterinarian or a veterinary technician to show you how to brush your pet’s teeth. If brushing is not an option at all, then supplements and treats are another great way to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.
Treats and Supplements for Your Pet’s Dental Health
Dental treats and supplements are not the first line of defense in pet dental health, but it is better than nothing at all. Viera Petworks,
PetSmart and even Amazon.com carry tons of different dental health products. These products may be a chew toy, dental chews, a specific dry dog or cat food, or a water additive. Your veterinarian can give you a list of specific brands of products that they recommend.
One of my favorite products is Young Living’s Animal Scents Dental Pet Chew. I have been using Young Living Essential Oils for my entire family since 2014 and started using the Animal Scents products in 2016 when we adopted our first dog, Penny. They also make cat treats that are both healthy and yummy for your favorite feline.
Regular Dental Cleanings for Viera Dogs and Cats
Regular dental cleanings are very important to your pet’s overall health. If a pet has periodontal disease, it can lead to anorexia from a painful mouth. The disease can also be as severe as causing potential heart murmurs due to the bacteria from the gums getting into the bloodstream.
The longer bacteria are allowed to be in the bloodstream, the more damage they can do to the heart. When a dental cleaning is performed by your veterinarian or veterinary technician, plaque and tartar are not only cleaned off the tooth’s surface. Plaque and tartar are also removed from below the gum line. This is the most essential part of the dental cleaning. Below the gum line is where most bacteria live and cause the most harm to your pet.
Every pet needs an annual exam for a whole list of reasons. A yearly oral exam will better indicate what kind of at-home dental care is appropriate for your pet. Take this quiz created by the AVMA to test your knowledge of pet dental health.
With annual exams come annual trips to the veterinary clinic. Don’t stress out about how to get your pet there. Contact Space Coast Pet Services for all of your pet taxi needs.
Schedule your pet’s annual dental exam today!
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