Is Pet Dental Health Really Important?

Many veterinarians stress the importance of oralAre any of his canines or molars discolored (gray,
hygiene because tooth and gum problems arebrown or green)? (Keep in mind that a pet's teeth
common medical conditions seen in pets. If leftmay be yellow due to early antibiotics like
unchecked, an unhealthy mouth can affect thetetracycline?totally normal.)
liver, kidneys, heart and even the brain.Are his gums swollen and bright pink or angry red
So when you lean in to give your pet a smooch,like a lobster with a sunburn? Note that normal
ask yourself ?Does my pet need a breath mint??colored gums should be light to medium pink. For
Studies show that 98% of pets with bad breathsome dark colored cats and dogs, gums may be
are suffering from severe plaque build up. Badgray.
breath not only means that your pet's mouthDo you see any sores on the gums, particularly if
may be a warehouse for unhealthy bacteria,you have a cat? They'll look like craters on the
tartar and plaque, but it can also point totop or bottom gum or lip.
unhealthy intestines. In addition, the quality of yourAre his bottom teeth worn down like the soles of
pet's food can contribute to the status of youra shoe?
pet's breath. Low quality food can cause digestiveDo you see any swelling or sores on his face
problems, thus promoting bad breath.around the lips, under the eyes or nose? Bad
Can I Share My Toothpaste With My Pet?teeth can result in a manifestation of external
Absolutely not!sores.
Pets aren't like us: they swallow whatever youIf you have a puppy or a kitten, do you see any
use to clean their teeth. Human toothpaste simplydouble teeth?
isn't edible. Nor is the heavy minty flavor reallyIs he drooling like a newborn? Keep in mind that
desirable to pets. Human toothpaste can givesome dogs always drool, like the St. Bernard. If
your pet some serious stomach problems.your pet is experiencing excessive drooling but
Did you know??doesn't usually, it could indicate some problem.
Certain breeds of dogs and cats are geneticallyHas he lost weight recently as a result of not
predisposed to unhealthy teeth and gums? Foreating enough?
example, the Maltese is the number one dogIt's also important to observe your pet's behavior
breed with tooth and gum problems. In the catas far as food is concerned. Has your pet been
world, the Siamese and the Abyssinian, charmingapproaching his food bowl reluctantly? Has he
as they are, have serious tooth problems andbeen eating slower than usual and has he
often get some of their teeth pulled during theirexhibited trouble biting hard things? Does your dog
youth. Other factors include viruses, bacteria andor cat cry during or after eating? Does your cat
not enough abrasive foods.have the tendency to pick up food, spit it out,
It all starts with the gums looking almost red, andpick it up again and finally throw it to the back
some of the teeth coated with tartar. When itwith his tongue?
comes to your pet's mouth, don't take anythingIf you've nodded your head to two or more of
for granted. When you examine your pet, slowlyany of the questions above, then it's clear that
open his mouth with your fingers and ask yourselfyour pet has some dental health issues! You must
the following questions:take your pet to your veterinarian right away for
Does his breath smell like he just raided a rottenan oral examination.
fish market?