Dogs and cats can get cavities and gum disease just like humans, but some pet owners don’t know that they need to care for their pets’ teeth. The Parker Animal Clinic in Clarksville, AR, is committed to keeping your pet healthy from head to toe. This includes the oral health of felines and canines. Here the experienced staff members explain why pet dental care is so important.

3 Reasons to Focus on Pet Dental Care

1. Dental Disease Is Painful

Dogs and cats tend to suffer in silence, which is why you may not notice for a while that something is wrong. However, dental disease can make chewing painful, and it can lead to abscesses in the gums and tooth loss. Dental pain is excruciating for humans and pets alike, because the mouth has a lot of sensitive nerves near the pain centers of the brain.

2. It Can Lead to Other Health Problems

When your pet has periodontal disease, the levels of bacteria in the mouth are too high. If left untreated, these bacteria under the gum can travel to other parts of the body. According to the American Veterinary Dental College, periodontal disease in dogs can affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. Keeping your pet’s teeth healthy can promote their overall well-being.

3. Treatment Requires Anesthesia

Regular pet dental care is important to keep those teeth healthy and prevent the need for treatment. Your veterinarian can perform a dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth, but even this must be done under anesthesia, which can be an expensive hassle. If scaling or tooth extractions are required, they must also be done under sedation. The best way to avoid these extra steps is through routine teeth care. 

Since February is National Pet Dental Health Month, it’s a great time to remember that pet care should include dental upkeep. The friendly staff at the Parker Animal Clinic in Clarksville can give you tips on proper pet dental care to prevent most dental problems. This veterinary clinic has been doing their best to keep cats and dogs healthy for over 17 years. Give them a call at (479) 754-5656 to schedule a checkup for your furry friend.