Your Pet Could Be Hurting
& You May Not Even Know It…
We love our pets and the number one question I get from owners is “Do you think he is in pain?” and let’s face it… they can’t tell us when they’re hurting, and your dog or cat could be. It’s remarkably common. One of the most prevalent health care problems in dogs and cats is usually preventable and/or curable… it is periodontal disease.
Most troubling is your pet’s dental problems can lead to health challenges far beyond “dog breath” or tooth extractions. Left untreated, this disease can cause a great deal of pain for dogs and cats. In fact we routinely see bone infections and abscesses that require surgery and multiple tooth extractions. Sometimes, even full mouth extractions.
As you may have read, research in humans has proven that periodontal disease DOES impact a person’s health in other areas, and has been shown to shorten life spans by years. It is the same with animals. These infections can lead to problems throughout the body including kidney and heart disease, which can not only cause your pet unnecessary pain, but could actually shorten his life span significantly.
Some of the outward symptoms of dental problems in dogs and cats include:
- Bad breath
- Yellow/brown teeth, and/or yellowish crust along the gum line
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Pain–which often appears to be a decreased appetite or difficulty eating, resulting in weight loss
The best way to make sure their dental health is what is should be is a simple, dental exam. This is always performed at your pet’s preventative care exam or any medical exam. I also recommend yearly dental cleanings, NO MATTER WHAT, so periodontal disease does NOT happen. Imagine you NEVER brushing your teeth for a year…would you need your teeth cleaned? The answer is YES!
February is Pet Dental Month and I encourage everyone to take advantage of a FREE dental exam and the opportunity to save money on your pet’s dental cleaning. Please see our website for more information! Click Here to Learn More About Our Dental Services!