When you think of pet health, a nutritious diet and active lifestyle usually come to mind. Yet, there’s one aspect of your pet’s wellness that you may be overlooking: dental care. Hilton Veterinary Hospital in Monroe County, NY, believes that taking an all-encompassing approach to caring for pets—including their dental care—will keep them healthy and happy throughout their lives.

Here, this Hilton veterinary clinic shares several reasons why pet owners should maintain their animals’ dental health in addition to regulating diet and exercise:  

• Improved Breath: Your dog or cat’s bad breath isn’t just a stinky inconvenience. It could also be an indication that there’s plaque buildup, which could lead to serious conditions like periodontal disease. When you care for your pet’s teeth, you’re boosting their health while also eliminating the smelly side effects of poor dental hygiene.
• Better Overall Wellness: Good dental health is also linked to better overall pet health. Dental diseases can lead to more complex problems throughout your animal’s body. These problems could even make their way into important organs such as the heart, so it’s important to brush your dog or cat’s teeth regularly.
• Prevention Of Painful Conditions: Dental problems can cause pain in animals. Naturally, your dog or cat won’t be able to tell you they’re in pain, and they might not even exhibit any signs that they’re hurting. Losing a tooth can be quite painful for an animal, and it could result in more significant complications down the road. As such, preventative dental measures are the best way to protect your pet from experiencing oral pain.

Ask the compassionate staff at Hilton Veterinary Hospital how you can incorporate dental care into your pet health routine. To schedule your dog or cat’s next pet wellness exam, call (585) 392-2937, or visit the veterinary clinic online to learn more.