Reminders to Owners Why Dental Hygiene Is Important for Pets

Our veterinarian at Greenfield Veterinary Clinic in Greenfield wants owners to be aware of the repercussions of poor pet dental hygiene, including illness, infection, and even death. When bacteria cause illness, the outcome can be unpredictable. Keep your pets safe by attending to your pets’ dental needs.

Why Dental Hygiene Is Important for Pets

The most common result of poor dental hygiene for dogs and cats is periodontal disease. This is most prevalent among pets that are three-years and older, and if you don’t take care of your pets’ oral health care, the condition will only get worse. Some of the side-effects include pain, weight loss, tooth loss, and infection, which can cause a number of issues with the other organs of the body.

Signs of a Dental Issue 

There are some telltale signs of periodontal disease that pet owners should be on the lookout for, including:

• Foul breath. 
• Broken teeth. 
• Discolored teeth.
• Excessive tartar.
• Pain.
• Bleeding gums.
• Swelling.
• Difficulty eating.
• Excessive drooling.

Behavioral changes such as mood irritability may also be signs of a dental issue and warrant a visit to your veterinarian for assessment. Owners should be very careful when trying to look in their pets’ mouths as some animals may bite when experiencing pain.

Veterinary Care 

Annual wellness exams are suggested to ensure your vet is able to identify any issues early. This is when your vet will give your pet a brief dental exam and assess if they have signs of periodontal disease or infection.

Don’t Risk the Repercussions of Poor Pet Dental Health, Call Us Today 

Have your pets’ teeth and gums checked by our veterinarian at Greenfield Veterinary Clinic in Greenfield. Don’t risk the many potential problems caused by poor oral health. If you notice signs of an issue with your pets’ teeth, don’t delay. Call us today at 414-282-5230.