November 13, 2024

Common Dental Issues Among Pets

Have you ever experienced your family pet trying to cuddle with you, but you instantly cringe at the foul odor of your pet dog’s breath? Some refer to it as “doggie breath” or “garbage mouth.” In contrast to common belief, foul breath among pets is not normal. If your pet is suffering from halitosis, it could be one of the first indicators of a health problem. Did you know that dogs with excellent dental health tend to live at least two years longer than those with oral concerns?

What is dental disease?

Dental disease is an uncomfortable condition that develops from plaque, tartar, and bacteria on teeth that get stuck below the gumline. Poor dental hygiene often leads to lots of dental and general health problems. There is a connection between poor dental health and persistent health problems in pets. Here is some information you need to understand about your pet’s dental diseases.

Canine and Feline Dental Diseases

Canines typically develop the periodontal condition from the accumulation of dental calculus. Food, bacteria, and particles build up on the surface of the teeth in time, and it solidifies into a cement-like material. This results in gingivitis and, at some point, gingival recession and bone loss.

Cats are less commonly impacted by periodontal disease from calculus. Nonetheless, they get feline-specific problems like resorptive lesions and stomatitis. These conditions are frequently excruciating and inflamed. Regular dental care at facilities like the South Wilton Veterinary Group is needed to keep optimal oral health in cats and dogs.

Periodontal diseases are prevalent among canines and cats. In advanced instances, the bacteria may enter the bloodstream and wreak havoc on other organs like kidneys, liver, and heart. Veterinary radiology tools such as x-ray are essential for determining diseases in canines and felines.

Dental Diseases in Exotic Pets 

Like canines and felines, exotic pet animals also require dental care. Most exotic pets like iguanas, bearded dragons, rabbits, chinchillas, and various exotic pets need to have regular physical examinations here, including dental care visits.

One of the most common dental concerns affecting reptiles like snakes and lizards is stomatitis, usually called mouth rot. Turtles and tortoises are less commonly affected with stomatitis, though.

Small herbivores like rabbits and rodents typically have dental issues like elongated teeth that never stop growing. This is common because their diets don’t provide the regular grinding required to maintain their teeth to their ideal size.

Dental Disease Prevention

  • Begin early with your pet’s dental care. Brush their teeth with pet toothpaste daily or at the very least thrice a week.
  • Ask the veterinarian dentist about treats, supplements, and food that can reduce the progression of pet dental disease.
  • Avoid feeding your pets with canned food because these tend to stick to their teeth; instead, provide them dry food. However, if canned food is what the vet advised for some dietary purposes, you need to follow your vet’s suggestion.
  • Make sure to arrange dental visits and have a regular professional dental cleaning as early as one year old.
  • Your vet is still the best person who can care for and monitor your beloved pets’ general and oral health.