A Definitive Guide on Pet’s Dental Diseases
Have you ever experienced your family pet trying to cuddle with you, but you suddenly cringe at the foul odor of your pet dog’s breath? Some refer to it as “doggie breath” or “garbage mouth.” Contrary to common belief, bad breath among animals is not normal. If your pet is suffering from foul breath, it could be one of the first indicators of a health problem. Did you know that canines with excellent dental health often live at least two years longer than those with dental issues?
What is dental disease?
Dental disease is a painful condition that develops from plaque, tartar, and bacteria on teeth that get stuck below the gumline. Poor dental hygiene often causes many dental and general health problems. There is a connection between poor dental health and a host of chronic illnesses in pets. Here is some available information that you need to find out about your pet animal’s dental diseases.
Canine and Feline Dental Diseases
Dogs usually develop periodontal disease from the accumulation of dental calculus. Food, bacteria, and debris accumulate on the surface of the teeth with time, and it solidifies into a cement-like material. This results in gingivitis and, at some point, gingival recession and bone loss.
Felines are less commonly affected by the periodontal disease from calculus. However, they get feline-specific conditions like resorptive lesions and stomatitis. These diseases are often excruciating and inflamed. Regular dental care is needed to maintain optimal oral health in cats and dogs.
Periodontal diseases are prevalent among dogs and felines. In advanced cases, the bacteria may get into the bloodstream and wreak havoc on other organs like kidneys, liver, and heart. Veterinary diagnostics such as x-ray are essential for identifying diseases in dogs and felines.
Dental Diseases in Exotic Pets
Like canines and cats, exotic pet animals also require dental care. Most exotic pets like iguanas, bearded dragons, rabbits, chinchillas, and various exotic pets need to have routine physical examinations, including dental care examinations. Visit southwiltonvet.com for full-service animal facilities.
One of the most typical dental concerns affecting reptiles like snakes and lizards is stomatitis, commonly called mouth rot. Turtles and tortoises are less widely affected with stomatitis, though.
Small herbivores like rabbits and rodents generally have dental issues like elongated teeth that never stop growing. This is common because their diets don’t provide the normal grinding needed to maintain their teeth of ideal size.
Dental Disease Prevention
- Begin early with your pet’s dental care. Brush their teeth with pet toothpaste daily or a minimum of thrice a week.
- Ask the vet dentist about treats, supplements, and food that can reduce the progression of pet dental disease.
- Avoid feeding your pets with canned food because these tend to stick to their teeth; instead, provide them dry food. Nonetheless, if canned food is what the vet suggested for some dietary purposes, you must follow your vet’s recommendation.
- Set up dental visits and have a regular professional dental cleaning as early as one year old.
- Your vet is still the best individual who can care for and monitor your beloved pets’ general and oral health.
