The Importance of Pet Dental Care

When it comes to pet care, one area that many people often overlook is dental hygiene. Even so, having healthy teeth is just as important to your animal as it is to you. What is involved in pet dental care, and why is it so important? Allow our veterinarian at Cordova Station Animal Hospital to explain the importance of pet dental care.

Possible Effects of Poor Dental Care

A lack of pet dental care can result in abscessed teeth or gum disease. In turn, this can result in tooth loss, in which case it would become more difficult for your pet to eat. Dental problems can cause your four-legged friend a great deal of pain and discomfort as well.

You may think that your pet’s bad breath is something that you just have to put up with. That’s not the case, as bad breath can often be prevented with the right pet care, which involves having regular dental checkups and cleanings.

Bacteria in the mouth can sometimes spread through the bloodstream to other organs such as the heart and liver. Accordingly, you could prevent long-term damage, including a hospital stay, just by having regular cleanings performed.

Dental Hygiene Tips

To maintain good oral hygiene, you should brush your pet’s teeth regularly. Ideally, you should do so daily, using a toothbrush and toothpaste designed especially for either dogs or cats. In between brushings, provide your animal with plenty of dog dental treats and chew toys to help eliminate excessive plaque buildup.

Have a professional cleaning performed by a veterinarian at least annually beginning at around six months of age. Contact our animal hospital right away if you notice problems such as missing or broken teeth, swollen gums, bleeding, or oral pain.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian for Pet Dental Care in Cordova, TN

Call Cordova Station Animal Hospital today at (901) 753-3539 for more information on pet dental care or to schedule a dental cleaning.