Why Importance of Dental Care for Overall Pet Health

Does your four-legged companion have bad breath that keeps the two of you from snuggling? If only you could give your furry pal a breath mint, right? Contrary to common belief, an unpleasant breath odor in dogs or cats isn’t normal. As a matter of fact, it’s a common sign of an unhealthy mouth. When was the last time you bothered to think about your pet’s oral health? If you are like some pet owners, it’s probably been months, or worse, not at all. That’s a huge mistake.

Here are the reasons why dental care is vital for your pet’s overall health:

It Prevents Dental Issues

The primary reason you need to look after your pet’s oral health is to keep their mouth healthy. Like humans, your cat or dog can also develop plaque, which can turn into tartar and even lead to tooth decay. If left untreated, the problem can lead to infection, causing pain and tooth loss.

It Protects Against Other Medical Conditions

Bacteria can thrive under your pet’s gumline. This can lead to severe infections deep in the roots of their teeth and jaw. Tooth-root abscesses will not only result in repulsive halitosis or excruciating jaw pain, but the inflammation may also cause the bacteria to spread in your pet’s bloodstreams and affect their internal organs. The inflammatory substances may harm your furry friend’s heart, kidneys, and liver, among others.

It Improves Their Quality of Life

Many pet owners forget about their pet’s oral health, letting nature take its own toll. But this shouldn’t be the case. You must understand how imperative good dental hygiene is in your pet’s overall well-being. Committing to proper dental care is a crucial part of your cat’s or dog’s long-term health. Dental diseases will only undermine your pet’s immune system, increasing their risk of heart disease and other health issues. It can even complicate the control and regulation of existing conditions like diabetes. Do you want to protect your pet from a broken jaw and pain that doesn’t go away? You have to make their oral health a priority.

How to Guarantee That Your Pet Gets Adequate Dental Care

As you know, there are a lot of risks involved when you neglect your pet’s oral health. The good news is there are many steps you can take to keep them healthy and happy. These include brushing their teeth regularly using a toothpaste that’s specially formulated for pets. You can also provide them with dental sticks and chew toys. It’s also highly recommended that you pay attention to their diet. See to it that you feed them with nutritious and high-quality food. Avoid skipping scheduled visits to their veterinarian for professional cleaning. You also have to find time to visit your pet’s dentist for regular checkups.

As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. So, commit to good dental care practices as early as now. This will significantly stop any dental issues from developing. It also helps keep existing health conditions from getting worse.

Does your pet have red, bleeding gums or sores in its mouth? Perhaps you saw your furball drooling excessively or refuse to eat hard foods. These are some of the common symptoms associated with dental disease. At R Veterinary Group, we can assess the state of your pet’s oral health.

Learn more about the importance of dental care for your pet’s health, contact R Veterinary Group in Linn Creek, Missouri at (573) 346-5733.