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