Dental care is important for your pet’s health. Dental problems for your pet result from other health problems. They can also cause other problems for your pet if left unattended. Your pet should have an annual visit to the vet for veterinary dental care.
Veterinary dental care includes cleaning, filling, adjustment, extraction, and repair of problematic teeth. A certified dentist can advise you on the best care for your pet’s teeth and mouth. For a comprehensive dental checkup and care, pets should be under general anesthesia.
Dental Problems in Pets
To tell if your pet has a problem, you can check their mouth for any abnormality. Constant pawing at the mouth is a call for help. If your pet has discolored teeth covered in black or brown plaque, it is time for a cleaning appointment. Another indication is if your pet has broken or displaced teeth or retained teeth from baby teeth set. If your pet chews abnormally or drools too much, check for problems. If you notice swelling, an abscess, or bleeding around the mouth, or if the pet refuses to feed and seems irritable, then take it to the vet. If you notice a sudden change in feeding habits, there might be an oral problem.
What Causes Dental Problems in Pets?
Although pets do not share the same dental formula, they experience similar dental problems. Jaw and teeth breakage from fights or rough play. Cavities and plaque-causing holes in teeth. Some pets suffer from periodontal disease-causing infection of gum and teeth. Misalignment of teeth and teeth retainment from previous baby teeth sets. Some pets have birth defects such as cleft palates which affect their dental health.
How Do You Care for Your Pet’s Mouth?
If you have young pets, check on their milk teeth regularly. Make sure that they go through the process of losing them. Check if the new teeth are growing in a normal pattern. Watch the play toys used by your pet. They should not be too hard since they can break your pet’s teeth. Give them water after each feed to rinse their mouth. Brush your pet’s teeth regularly with a pet-safe brush and toothpaste. Keeping the teeth clean reduces bacteria and plaque. Ask your vet to recommend an oral rinse that works for your pet. Keeping up with routine cleaning prevents major problems from arising.
Watch Your Pet’s Diet
You can prevent the accumulation of plaque. Feed your pet a well-balanced diet designed to preserve his health. Animals with strong teeth should be the only ones you should feed bones and other hard foods. You can give extra vitamins as recommended by your vet to encourage strong teeth and bones.
If you notice any distress, you can visit the vet for further examination. Oral hygiene for pets is mostly done under general anesthesia. People are uncertain about how their pets would handle anesthesia. The vet usually requests bloodwork before the cleaning appointment to evaluate the pet’s organ function. If everything works fine for the pet, there is no need to be afraid of anesthesia.
For further consultation on pet’s oral hygiene, visit Highland Veterinary Clinic in our different locations in Evansville, IN. You can call (812) 710-4300 to book an appointment or schedule a home visit.
