Taking care of your pet's dental health

Montana and Little Girl show off their pearly whites. Canine dental hygiene is an important part of overall health. Photo by Nancy Brown

"Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health, and dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems," states the American Veterinary Medical Association. "Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian to check for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy."

Just like humans, pets are prone to broken teeth, infections, abscesses and periodontal disease. Some pets are born with bad teeth and may require quick surgery to remove puppy teeth that did not fall out on their own.

A routine dental appointment at a veterinary clinic will include blood work to ensure your pet is able to handle anesthesia, oral X-rays if needed, tooth scaling and scraping to remove plaque and any tarter buildup, and finish with a polish. The procedure takes less then an hour unless multiple teeth need to be extracted.

Your veterinarian will then work with you on how to best maintain your pet's dental health with proper brushing, the best oral hygiene products, pet food, treats and toys to use to help maintain a better overall outcome. 

Lack of dental care in a pet can impact the overall health wellness of your furry family member if bacteria settles in. This can impact their cardiovascular system, and cause potential kidney and joint issues and other distressing conditions.

Pet health insurance is available and most companies offer this coverage in their plans.

Nancy Brown

Nancy Brown

Owner, Hot Diggity Dog, Inc.

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Volume 11, Issue 14, Posted 10:10 AM, 07.16.2019