How to Keep Dental Disease Away from your Pet's Teeth
February is National Pet Dental Health Month. Not many pet owners are aware that our furry friends may also be at risk of developing oral health issues, just like us. If you have ever experienced a toothache, you will probably have a good idea as to how it may feel for your pet when they have dental issues. Conditions that affect your pet’s teeth are more than just an aesthetic issue. If these oral health conditions are left untreated, they can have a very negative impact on the quality of life of your fuzzy companion.
Failing to make sure that your pet’s oral health stays at an optimal level may cause them severe pain. This pain may, in turn, cause your pet to act out and even develop behavioral problems in the long run. This is why National Pet Dental Health Month is essential!
How To Keep Dental Disease Away From Your Pet’s Teeth
It’s a fact, pets can have tooth and gum diseases just like their human counterparts. Even the most caring of fur parents may have pets with these dental issues. National Pet Dental Health Month is meant to help create awareness that our pets have dental needs as well. It isn’t enough to feed them, give them a warm and cozy place to sleep, we have to make sure that they have healthy teeth and gums, too.
Dental Issues In Pets
Unfortunately, not all pet owners are aware that they need to help their pets take care of their oral health. The deterioration of dental health in pets usually happens because of the pet owner being unfamiliar with pet oral care instead of outright intentional neglect. It isn’t too late to get started in helping your pet reach the optimal level of oral health. In fact, it's best to be proactive and still good to be reactive.
Here are some common dental issues commonly found in pets:
- Placque
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
- Tooth loss
- Tooth decay
Fortunately, many of these dental issues in pets can be prevented, treated, or reversed!
Prevention
Just like any health concern, prevention is more effective than any cure. Buying a soft-bristled pet toothbrush and making it a point to brush their teeth at least once a day. Make sure to buy toothpaste that is specially formulated for pets, as human toothpaste may contain certain ingredients that may be harmful to them.
Pet owners have to be aware that many dental problems in pets often starts with malnutrition and feeding them the wrong kind of food. To prevent oral diseases from developing because of this, give your local pet supplies store here in Bentonville a shout! At EarthWise Pet Bentonville, all of our team members are fully trained pet nutritionists that are ready to give you the best advice, resources, and information what dog food or cat food is best for your pet.
How To Know When Dental Disease Is Serious
Pets can experience toothaches just like us. While they may not be able to express their pain in words we can understand, we can look out for actions they do and certain signs that indicate that they have oral diseases.
The pain may cause them to claw at their face frequently. If you see your pet seemingly trying to use their front paws to scratch their face, it may be a sign that they are feeling pain in their teeth or gums. Other signs include bleeding gums, bad breath, inability to eat, flinching or showing signs of pain while eating, and signs of tartar on teeth. You do not need to wait for them to exhibit all symptoms, take them to see a vet if you suspect that they have oral health issues.
Conclusion
Taking care of a pet is much more than just taking pictures of them and creating a cool pet social media profile. You need to make sure that your furry friends are comfortable, well-fed, and free from any disease that may cause them discomfort or pain. A responsible pet owner will ensure that their pets have regular checkups with their vet to keep their overall health up.
If you are looking for a vet, pet grooming specialist, or if you want to have your fuzzy pal’s oral health checked, come and visit Earthwise Pet Grooming Bentonville. We offer pet grooming, self washing, pet supplies and have certified pet nutritionists and diet specialists to serve you. Let us help you take the best care of your pet. Bring them in for a checkup today!