Did you know a pet’s bad breath could signify a potentially serious dental or oral disease that could pose a health risk to the animal’s internal organs?
According to veterinary professionals, a dog’s teeth should be checked every year and cleaned at least every other year and sometimes more often. This Blog post offers great guidelines to follow for your pet.
The American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) reports that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some form of oral or dental disease by age 3. Daily brushing of the pet’s teeth, with special soft tooth brush and toothpaste developed especially for pets, is recommended.
There are also many chews and treats on the market now that are formulated to reduce plaque and tartar.
The signs of possible gum and dental issues include: bad breath, loose teeth or teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar, abnormal drooling, dropping food from the mouth, or swallowing food whole, bleeding from the mouth, sensitivity in the mouth area, and loss of appetite or other changes in eating or chewing habits.
Ask your veterinarian the next time you take your pet in for a visit how often they recommend cleaning their teeth. Good oral health will increase the lifespan of your pet. Affiliated Orthodontics recommends that you take care of them like you would take care of yourself when it comes to dental care.