Did you know that your dog’s dental health plays a large role in his overall health? Just like infections in your own mouth can lead to heart disease and other problems, your pet’s dental health problems can lead to other long-term issues. Dental diseases are the most common health problem in both cats and dogs. In fact, they are present in nearly 85 percent of all pets older than age one! If you have a small breed, your pooch is even more likely to have issues.
Fortunately, these diseases- as well as the signs of them- can be easily prevented by taking your pet in for routine checkups!
Preventing oral diseases by caring for your dog’s dental health
Keeping your dog’s mouth in tip-top barking shape is as easy as keeping up with your annual vet visits. During the visit, your vet will perform an orofacial exam that identifies dental diseases. Typically, these exams can even catch diseases in their early stages, when they’re easier to threat. If your vet notices a problem, you’ll be given a treatment regimen to follow. This may include brushing, a dental cleaning or a special type of dental pet food.
Just like an annual checkup alone isn’t enough to ensure your own health, vet visits alone aren’t enough to make sure your dog’s dental health is fine. Sometimes issues can crop up in between visits. Learning to recognize the signs of dental disease can help you head it off before your dog is due for his next vet visit.
These signs include:
- bad breath
- lost teeth
- excessive drooling
If you notice any of these signs, or if your dog suddenly loses his appetite, call and make an appointment with your vet. If my dog Cooper lost his appetite, I’d be at the vet in a flash!
