Ensure Purr-fect Oral Health for the Whole Family!

While this obviously isn’t a pet clinic, we know that many of our patients have cats and dogs, so we thought it worthwhile to spend a few minutes discussing dental issues to watch out for in your pet’s mouth.

Like humans, dogs and cats are susceptible to gum disease. In fact, by the time your pet is three years old, there’s an 80 percent chance that his or her gums are already under attack. The same research that has linked poor dental health to poor overall health in humans is applicable for animals. Like in humans, any bacteria and infection in an animal’s mouth may spread through the bloodstream to cause heart, kidney or liver disease. These diseases can cause serious damage to the organs and potentially lead to premature death.

Does your pooch have “doggy breath”? This can actually be odor from the by-products of bacteria in the mouth, and it is often the first sign that your pet has gum disease or other dental problems. Your veterinarian should give Fido or Fluffy a dental checkup and professional teeth cleaning once or twice a year, but, in between visits, you’ll need to make an effort to remove plaque from your pet’s teeth, too. Ask your veterinarian about the many pet-specific oral cleaners and oral hygiene solutions available today, and about dental-friendly foods and treats that will make achieving good oral health easier for both you and your pet

Be your pet’s best friend by ensuring many years of health and happiness, from head to tail!