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Introduction According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show some signs of gum disease by age three. In spite of this important statistic, oral hygiene is one of the most overlooked areas of medical care for animals. As we increase our knowledge of animal health we realize that proper dental care does not just make your pet's breath smell better; it is mandatory for your pet's long term quality of life. Dental disease is a treatable and preventable problem, and since your pet can not tell you how it feels, it is up to all of us, as members of your pet's health care team, to address this problem. Dental disease is such a rampant problem, and is so easily prevented, that February of every year is designated as National Pet Dental Health Month. Please ask your veterinarian for additional information. |
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Symptoms Symptoms of dental disease can range from subtle to extreme. One of the most common symptoms is bad breath (halitosis). Sometimes a pet with dental disease will cry in pain when you touch it anywhere near its muzzle. Another symptom is a partial or complete inability to eat (anorexia). A pet that has this problem may eagerly go to the food bowl, and either just look at the food or drop the food out of its mouth after only a few bites. Other pets might drool from one or both sides of the mouth. The important point to remember is the fact that once you notice any of these symptoms, your pet's dental disease is already causing discomfort or pain, and even affecting other body organs. Therefore, it is important for you to be aware of the existence of this problem, to learn how to perform a basic oral exam at home, learn how to brush its teeth, and to bring your pet in for regular (every 6-12 months) dental exams by one of our veterinarians. Your pet can not tell you its mouth hurts, it is up to us, as a team, to ensure that this inevitable problem is properly monitored and treated before it causes discomfort and pain, and sometimes premature organ failure. |
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Tails-a-Waggin Animal Hospital
11960 Kelly Road Fort Myers, FL 33908 Phone: 239-482-6897 Fax: 239-482-7922 Email: tailsawaggin@comcast.net |
