January is already flying by and February is right around the corner! With February being National Pet Dental Health Month we at Companion Veterinary and Urgent Care wanted to make sure to focus on an aspect of care that is sometimes not paid as much attention to!
You know that you should visit the dentist every six months, brush your teeth twice a day, and floss every day. You know that regular dental care is important for your teeth to be strong and beautiful, and to have a healthy mouth. But what about your pet? While you may not worry about your cat or dog having a selfie-ready smile, caring for your pet's teeth is still incredibly important! Here's just a couple reasons why you should be caring for your pet's teeth regularly:
Prevent Dental Disease
Just as with humans, poor dental health can lead to tooth decay and dental diseases. But the disease doesn't stop in the mouth. Dental infections can actually spread to other parts of the body and can even impact your pet's organs, including their heart. You may not realize it, but the dental disease could actually cause severe health problems for your pet—health problems that could be avoided by simple dental care.
Improve Their Breath
Your pet's breath is unlikely ever to be truly pleasant. It's natural for a dog to have a dog breath. But if your pet's breath is overwhelmingly unpleasant, then you may not be giving their teeth the care they need. Regular dental care can improve your pet's breath, so you won't mind as much when they greet you at the door with a tongue bath.
Prevent Tooth Loss
Without proper dental care, your pet is more likely to lose their teeth. In fact, simple plaque buildup can require teeth to be extracted, which is difficult and painful for a pet—and having their teeth fall out on their own as a result of tooth decay is no less painful. By cleaning your pet's teeth, you can save them a lot of pain, which is something every good pet owner should strive for.
Make Eating and Playing Easier
When your pet's teeth are bothering them, they may no longer be interested in playing with their favorite toys, and they could even lose interest in eating. Animals rely on their mouths for a lot of activities, from eating and drinking to playing and self-care. When their teeth are bothering them, some aspects of their life change. This is why proper care is so vital for our pets.
Proper Oral Care lengthen lives
Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian for early signs of problems and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy. Here at Companion Veterinary and Urgent Care Center we want to provide the best care possible and make sure our clients are informed and knowledgeable on all aspects of their pets healthcare. If pet your is due for an annual exam our veterinarians will make sure to guide you towards the best possible oral care, including scheduling a dental cleaning if needed, and provide valuable tips on how to give the best dental health home care. Call us today to make an appointment!
Have your pet’s teeth checked sooner through our Urgent Care if you observe any of the following problems:
Bad breath
Broken or loose teeth
Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
Teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
Pain in or around the mouth
Bleeding from the mouth
Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth
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