Pet Dental Care
Just like their beloved human owners, a pet’s overall health can be affected by their dental health. If your dog or cat has a dental issue, then it’s time to see a veterinarian for a checkup. Dental disease can be a very serious problem for your pet, and you shouldn’t hesitate to get them proper care.
What Are the Warning Signs of a Dental Issue?
There are several signs that can alert you to a dental disease. Take a careful look inside your pet’s mouth. You may see:
- Inflamed Gums, Bad Breath, and Loose Teeth. Just like people, pets can also suffer from gum disease. If your dog or cat has red gums that look inflamed, that could be a sign of gingivitis or periodontal disease, which is caused by plaque that isn’t removed from the teeth. As it progresses, you pet’s gums can become infected by bacteria that has pooled in the gums. If not treated, it can lead to gum tissue loss, tooth loss, and loss of bone around the teeth.
- Tumors. Tumors look like bumps in gums of your pet. Since the tumors could be cancerous, they will have to be surgically removed and tested.
- Salivary Cysts. If your pet is having a hard time eating or breathing, there may be a fluid-filled mass under the tongue or jaw. This is likely an infection of a salivary gland. This problem won’t go away and the salivary glands on one side of the mouth must usually be removed through surgery. Don’t worry salivary production will be offset by the other intact glands.
Keeping Your Pet’s Teeth and Mouth Clean
It’s very important to be involved in your pet’s dental care through routine in-home care. That means, for dogs, you should use dental treats and chews a few times a week, and for both dogs and cats, you should brush their teeth and check their mouth regularly.
Be sure to bring your pets to your veterinarian regularly for dental care, including cleaning, polishing and x-rays.
Your pet’s dental care is very important to their overall health, and The Animal Medical Center provides the best in dental care for your pets in the Aurora area. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
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