Your pets are prone to many of the same oral health issues that you are, so it’s important to take care of their teeth. Unfortunately, pet dental health is an aspect of pet care that many owners overlook, leading to health complications and discomfort that a pet can’t articulate the way people can. By understanding the services they need and staying on top of them, you can be confident your pet is comfortable and maintaining a healthy mouth. Here are some answers to help.

Common Questions About Pet Oral Health

What issues do pets face?

Like humans, pets can develop cavities, suffer chips and breaks, and experience gum disease. These can impact their ability to eat and play, and gum disease has even been linked to heart, brain, and respiratory issues. Decay-causing bacteria will make a home in their mouth and create problematic plaque and tartar. Regular checkups with a veterinarian are recommended to keep an eye out for these issues.

How often should their teeth be cleaned?

Just like for humans, we recommend cleaning pet’s teeth every day and seeing a veterinarian at least once a year for an in-office pet dental health exam. Smaller dogs may need more frequent trips, and if your pet has existing issues such as gum disease, they’ll need regular treatment services. Every pet is different, so ask your veterinarian about an advised schedule.

Few dogs enjoy having their teeth brushed, and you may find your cat is even more resistant. The trick is to be gentle, use a special pet toothbrush, and get them used to the regularity of the cleaning. If that is difficult there are prescription dental chew treats or food that can assist in keeping tarter at bay! Contact your veterinarian for suggestions. 

When do they need their first cleaning?

This is very specific to each dog. They may need a dental scaling as early as a year or two, or not until they are middle aged. Smaller breeds, however, need closer attention to dental health. It’s another detail that varies from dog to dog; your vet will be happy to make a recommendation. Likewise, your cat’s dental health will be assessed during the annual wellness exam. 

What are the benefits?

Aside from keeping your pet’s mouth healthy, a pet dental health exam is a cost-effective health care decision. Preventive care is far cheaper than extensive dental work such as tooth extractions. When you stick to a care regimen, you save your beloved pet from infections, pain, and tooth loss.

If you’re ready to schedule a pet dental health exam, turn to Lillian Veterinary Hospital. They’ve served pets throughout Baldwin County, AL, for over 22 years and offer a wide scope of veterinary services for animals of every age. Whether it’s a yearly wellness exam or more extensive pet laser surgery, you’ll find a welcoming, comfortable environment for your pet. Call (251) 962-2304 to schedule an exam and visit their website to learn more about the practice. For more pet health tips, connect on Facebook.