| Many veterinarians stress the importance of oral | | | | Are any of his canines or molars discolored (gray, |
| hygiene because tooth and gum problems are | | | | brown or green)? (Keep in mind that a pet's teeth |
| common medical conditions seen in pets. If left | | | | may be yellow due to early antibiotics like |
| unchecked, an unhealthy mouth can affect the | | | | tetracycline?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 breath | | | | some dark colored cats and dogs, gums may be |
| are suffering from severe plaque build up. Bad | | | | gray. |
| breath not only means that your pet's mouth | | | | Do 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 to | | | | top or bottom gum or lip. |
| unhealthy intestines. In addition, the quality of your | | | | Are his bottom teeth worn down like the soles of |
| pet's food can contribute to the status of your | | | | a shoe? |
| pet's breath. Low quality food can cause digestive | | | | Do 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 you | | | | If you have a puppy or a kitten, do you see any |
| use to clean their teeth. Human toothpaste simply | | | | double teeth? |
| isn't edible. Nor is the heavy minty flavor really | | | | Is he drooling like a newborn? Keep in mind that |
| desirable to pets. Human toothpaste can give | | | | some 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 genetically | | | | Has he lost weight recently as a result of not |
| predisposed to unhealthy teeth and gums? For | | | | eating enough? |
| example, the Maltese is the number one dog | | | | It's also important to observe your pet's behavior |
| breed with tooth and gum problems. In the cat | | | | as far as food is concerned. Has your pet been |
| world, the Siamese and the Abyssinian, charming | | | | approaching his food bowl reluctantly? Has he |
| as they are, have serious tooth problems and | | | | been eating slower than usual and has he |
| often get some of their teeth pulled during their | | | | exhibited trouble biting hard things? Does your dog |
| youth. Other factors include viruses, bacteria and | | | | or 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, and | | | | pick it up again and finally throw it to the back |
| some of the teeth coated with tartar. When it | | | | with his tongue? |
| comes to your pet's mouth, don't take anything | | | | If you've nodded your head to two or more of |
| for granted. When you examine your pet, slowly | | | | any of the questions above, then it's clear that |
| open his mouth with your fingers and ask yourself | | | | your 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 rotten | | | | an oral examination. |
| fish market? | | | | |