Things You Will Need to Know About Your Pet’s Dental Health

Dental care is not only meant for humans, but also your furry friends. Every February, pet dental month is celebrated. The event was created by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to raise awareness about the oral care and well-being of pets.

Pet dental care is just as critical of a concern when it comes to your pet’s hygiene and health. They will not only get bad breath with improper dental care, but it could affect their overall health, such as their lungs and heart. In this article, we have compiled some facts about pet oral hygiene that you need to be aware of.

Bad Breath Is Not Normal

If you have smelled your pet’s mouth and a foul smell came out, it is easy to brush it off as “dog breath” or “cat breath.” While their mouths may have a strong odor from what they eat, a foul smell is not typical.

If your pet’s breath smells off or foul, then it may be a cause for concern. There could be bacteria build-up or some old food stuck. Make sure to bring your pet to the vet when this happens to prevent it from worsening.

Brushing Is Important

Brushing your pet’s teeth can be challenging, and it may be tempting to skip it altogether. However, just as with us humans, brushing your pet’s teeth can eliminate any bacteria or germs that may be stuck there. It prevents plaque and tar from staying in your pet’s mouth.

There are pet-safe kinds of toothpaste that you will need to use. Sometimes these kinds of toothpaste are flavored to make it easier for you. If you have difficulty brushing your teeth, you can try easing them into it, starting with dental sticks and other oral products.

Bad Oral Hygiene Could Affect Their Overall Health

You do not only need to be concerned about them having bad teeth that could be painful or other dental diseases. Allowing plaque and tar build-up in your pet’s teeth makes it a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria.

Once the bacteria is in your pet's mouth, it can easily affect other aspects of their health. It can bring heart, lung, and kidney disease. Ensure that your pet does not get any of these by getting their dental hygiene checked up and doing oral care.

The Issue Is Not Always Visible

There may be times when your pet’s teeth look great and do not seem to have any problem. Their breath may also not smell foul. Most people would be satisfied with these traits and think their pet’s oral hygiene is acceptable.

However, there is more to dental care than one may think. There may be times when the issue could be beneath gums or hidden in the jaw. Sometimes, these issues will need to be X-rayed to be identified. You will not know this on your own, which means that you need to have their oral hygiene checked up regularly to know.

Conclusion

Dental and oral care should not be limited to human beings. Our pets need to be cared for in these aspects, as well. Make sure to give your furry best friend the love and care they need through regular check-ups and proper oral care.

If you need dog grooming in Fremont or Seattle, EarthWise Pet Fremont would be glad to serve you. We also sell pet supplies and offer advice from certified pet dietitians and pet nutrition specialists. Get in touch with us today!