When you have bad breath, you may chew a piece of sugar-free gum or brush your teeth. If it’s a constant problem, you might visit the dentist. You take care of your dental health, but what about your pet? When a dog or cat has bad breath, many of us assume that’s normal. According to veterinarians, it can be an early sign of gum disease. The animal care professionals at TLC Pet Care Centers in Cincinnati, OH, want pet owners to understand how important dental health is to your pet’s wellness.

Just like humans, animals can develop periodontal disease, but most of it occurs under the gum line. The best way to prevent dental health problems is to have a veterinarian examine your dog or cat’s teeth at least once a year. In most cases, a vet will take X-rays to check the health of your pet’s jaw and perform a thorough dental cleaning under anesthesia. The cleaning process will include polishing the teeth and a technique called scaling, which removes excess dental plaque and tartar. 

Animals can have similar dental problems to humans, and that’s why prevention and early treatment is key. Gum disease is the most common, and most pets start to show signs of it as early as three years old. Other signs of dental problems include:

• Broken, Loose, Or Discolored Teeth
• Abnormal Drooling Or Dropping Food
• Refusal To Eat
• Pain, Bleeding, Or Swelling Around Teeth

The best way to prevent gum disease is to clean your pet’s teeth on a regular basis. Brushing your pet's teeth is the best way to keep excess tartar and plaque from forming and causing problems in the mouth and the rest of the body. Daily brushing is best, but even two or three times a week can make a big difference. According to veterinarians, many dogs enjoy this activity, but cats are a little harder to convince. Certain animal care products claim to improve your pet’s dental health, but check with your vet for a good recommendation.

Whether your pet needs a dental cleaning, an annual pet wellness exam, or even pet surgery, the veterinarians and staff at TLC Pet Care Centers can help. They work with dogs, cats, reptiles, and birds, and even provide exotic pet care.

TLC Pet Care Centers has two locations for your convenience. Call the East location at (513) 683-2300, or dial (513) 825-4011 to reach the West location. For more information on the services this animal hospital provides, visit the website.