You may have heard about plaque (a combination of bacteria, saliva, and debris) from your dentist. And you probably visit your dentist at least every six months to have tartar (hardened plaque) professionally removed from your teeth. And as you may know, neglecting to care for your teeth regularly can lead to bad breath, red and bleeding gums, and perhaps even to heart disease. BUT DID YOU KNOW THAT YOUR PET NEEDS REGULAR DENTAL CARE ALSO?
Fortunately, you don’t need a separate caregiver to provide proper dental care to your pet; our friendly professional veterinarians and staff can take care of this in our office. In addition to professional exams and removal of tartar as recommended by your veterinarian, you can also feed your pet firm, good quality kibble to help slow down tartar buildup. Dental bones, toys, and brushing teeth at home are additional options to help your pet maintain good dental health. Talk to your veterinarian for recommended toys and oral hygiene products. And be sure to call the office for a dental exam if your pet exhibits any of the following signs of potential dental problems:
- red or bleeding gums
- yellow teeth
- bad breath
- loss of weight
- runny nose or tears and swelling under an eye
For your pet’s dental health, just like for your own, prevention is the best action to ensure healthy gums and teeth.
