Dog and Cat Dental Care
Dental hygiene is an important part of your pet's overall health because dental disease can be associated with many other serious health problems such as heart disease and kidney disease.
Despite what many pet owners may believe, “dog breath” is not just a nuisance–it’s a sign of an unclean, unhealthy mouth. Bacteria causes bad breath. Over time, that bacteria leads to hard plaque and tartar buildup on your pet’s teeth. Bad breath is the result, as is red gums and many other common signs of dental disease, such as drooling, discomfort while chewing, and loose or missing teeth.
Even if you’re using treats and chews to help control tartar, these are usually not enough to keep dental disease in check long term.
Let the doctors of Dade County Animal Hospital examine your pet’s teeth and gums and determine if there are any dental issues you should know about. After a brief visual examination, we may recommend a dental cleaning, or options for at-home dental care.
Signs Your Pet Needs a Dental Exam
Not sure if your pet needs to have a dental checkup? Look for these signs, which indicate not only poor oral hygiene, but can also indicate poor overall health:
- Bad breath
- Red and swollen gums
- Excessive drooling
- Dropping food while eating, which could indicate oral pain
- Yellow/brown buildup on the teeth
- Pawing at mouth
- Change in behavior
- Sleeping more often
- Reluctance to play with chew toys
- Decreased in appetite or unexpected weight loss
Does your pet have bad breath or suspected dental issues? Let us have a look!
Even if you think your pet’s teeth and gums are fine, we can offer expert advice to help you keep them that way! Dental health shouldn’t be taken for granted. Fortunately, many dental problems can be managed through at-home care and by bringing your pet to us for regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings.
We want your pet to live a long, healthy life. Our staff knows that maintaining a healthy mouth is part of that. Your pet’s health is important to us, so call us today so that we can discuss this important part of your pet's overall health care.