(From Healthy Pet: Winter 2009)
Imagine for a minute if you couldn’t brush or floss your teeth. What if something you ate days ago was still stuck between your teeth, pushing its way under your gumline and causing pain, discomfort, and maybe even an infection? Think how bad your breath would smell and how much plaque you would have on your teeth.
Unfortunately, this is typical of the oral care that many of our beloved pets receive. It is no more acceptable for your cat or dog than it is for you. Poor dental care causes decreased quality of life, can lead to shortened life span, and can produce systemic problems like heart, kidney, liver and lung disease, regardless of whether you have two or four legs.
So how do you ensure the best dental care for your pet? The first step is to schedule your furry friend for an oral evaluation with your veterinarian. A preliminary assessment can be performed while your pet is awake, but a full evaluation and treatment may require your pet to be under anesthesia. A full evaluation includes charting, cleaning, polishing, probing, and x-rays, just like your regular check ups. At home treatments may include brushing your pets teeth, or providing them with food that cleans while they eat. Your veterinary team can provide you with a review of your pets condition as well as steps that should be taken to ensure a long and healthy life for pet and your pets teeth.
