our advice: ASK DR. CATE
Vet Rap by
Dr. Ryan
Cate
The Importance of Dental Care in Pets
44
Dr. Cate, what are some precautions we should
take with our pets concerning dental hygiene? Dental care in dogs is something that tends to be over-
looked. Just as people, our pets need measures taken to
ensure oral hygiene is maintained. In many situations,
your dog may be in pain and it can be undetectable to
their owner. Involving your veterinarian in their routine is
highly beneficial to effective oral hygiene in pets. year and schedule an appointment with their veterinarian
if their dog is displaying any of the following symptoms:
Bad breath
Blood in saliva or nasal discharge
Loss of appetite
Swelling, redness, or bleeding gums
Lesions in the mouth
Excessive tartar buildup
Bad Breath What Can be Causing my Pet’s Discomfort?
People often associate bad breath in dogs as a trait of
the canine species. However, this is generally a result of
bacteria residing in infected gum and dental tissue in your
dog’s mouth. This unpleasant odor can be a direct correla-
tion to progressive dental disease. Dental disease can only
be improved by professional veterinary dental cleanings
and at-home maintenance.
What to Look For
Owners should discuss their dog’s dental condition with
their veterinarian at their annual wellness exam. In addi-
tion, owners can keep an eye on their dogs throughout the
Dental disease in pets commonly begins with plaque
buildup. This buildup results in swelling, redness, or
inflammation of the gums near the base of their teeth. As
a result, your dog can suffer from gingivitis, which can
be quite uncomfortable. Another common condition in
dogs is periodontal disease. By the age of 3, a majority of
dogs show signs of periodontal disease, which can lead to
infected teeth causing severe dental pain.
Professional Dental Care for Dogs
Bringing your dog to your veterinarian for annual dental
cleanings is highly recommended. By doing so you ensure