Tooth Or Consequences

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A topic that I have written about before, and will again, is pet dental health. Why is this so important? Because the dental health of your pet can affect so many aspects of their lives, and not only health related.
 
 
· Did you know that by age 3, 70% of cats and 80% of dogs are experiencing some form of dental disease? This is not just an “old pet” problem! Bad breath is not normal for pets; it is either a sign of a health issue or a dental disease. Let’s put that myth to bed right now.
 
· Pets are good at hiding their pain, and if we wait until they tell us there is something wrong by not eating or rubbing at their mouth, the damage will be extensive.
 
· Pain can lead to behavioral changes in pets. They can become aggressive in general or just when someone is trying to touch the affected part of their body.
 
· The bacteria that forms in a pet’s mouth and causes dental disease causes plaque and tartar. It also affects their gums.
 
· Dental disease can lead to many other health issues including (not limited to this list):
 
o Heart issues
 
o Liver issues
 
o Kidney issues
 
o Complications for dogs with diabetes
 
· If not treated dental disease can lead to other complications with your pet’s oral health including:
 
o Abscessed or infected teeth
 
o Infections that lead to swelling in the face
 
o Broken teeth
 
o Rotting, weakening, and wearing away of the jaw bone leading to a broken jaw
 
As a pet owner myself, I have learned the hard way to take care of my pet’s teeth. And not just my dogs, but cats too. Early detection is key to avoiding all of the consequences noted above. Annual checkups with your vet and listening to their advice on when to get your pet’s teeth cleaned are key. Please take care of your pet so that they don’t become a statistic or have the issues our sweet Nevaeh has. We don’t ever want to see another dog end up where she is (but rest assured she is now being spoiled and taken care of!).