Nobody likes going to the dentist. Teeth cleanings are no fun, and no one wants to get a lecture about not flossing enough. But we do it anyway because we know that taking care of our mouth is part of our overall health. Dental maintenance is no different for our pets. It is easy to overlook what’s going on in your dog or cat’s mouth because they seem to be doing just fine; but the truth is, animals are stoic about discomfort and may be developing issues that we don’t even know about.

DID YOU KNOW?

Periodontal disease is the most common dental problem among pets and affects an overwhelming majority of them before the age of three. Because periodontal disease is irreversible, preventative care is key. Once periodontal disease infects the gums, bacteria can easily filter into the bloodstream and travel to various organs in the body, putting your pet at risk of developing health problems far beyond the scope of the mouth. Some common general health problems that may result from poor oral hygiene include:

• Blood infections (sepsis)

• Bone infections (osteomyelitis)

• Diabetes mellitus

• Heart disease

• Heart valve infections

• High blood pressure

• Kidney problems

• Liver abscesses

That’s why it’s important to keep your pet’s grill gleaming with regular dental cleanings. If you love puppy slobber and kitten kisses, but you notice that your furry friend’s breath is less than fresh, give us a call! We’d love to see them for a dental consultation and/or cleaning.