Good pet dental care helps more than just your pet’s smile. It also helps aid digestion, helps your pet stay clean and looking good, and protects your pet’s inner organs. Dr. Mitrovic and our team at All Creatures Great and Small Animal Hospital and Urgent Care are here to help your furry friend by providing professional veterinary dental care. If you live in or around Denville, Fairfield, Bergen County and it has been a while since your dog or cat has been examined, it is time to book an appointment.
Your Pet’s Teeth
Your pet’s teeth are amazing. They help break down food so your pet’s body gets the nutrients inside. They help your pet groom himself or herself. They also help to hold onto toys and help in self-defense. However, they are subject to the same decay and periodontal disease that people get.
Pet Dental Care and Your Pet’s Inner Organs
Bacteria that cause tooth decay and periodontal disease can also damage your pet’s heart, liver, and kidneys. This is because the bacteria get into your pet’s bloodstream and travel to the organs, causing inflammation. Mouth bacteria have also been found to infect a cat’s central nervous system and cause meningitis.
Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth
Just like people need to brush their teeth every day, dogs and cats need to have their teeth brushed at least a few times per week. Never use toothpaste made for people, because that can make your pet very sick. Only use toothpaste made for pets. It will be made in meaty flavors that pets like. If you only brush a few teeth per day, this is better than not brushing at all. If you do not know how to brush your pet’s teeth, ask your veterinarian to show you how.
Pet Dental Cleanings
The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that dogs and cats get a thorough dental cleaning by a veterinarian once per year. This is particularly important for dog breeds predisposed to having bad teeth, such as dachshunds, boxers, and bulldogs. To inspect and clean under the gum lines, pets need to be under anesthesia for this kind of dental cleaning.
Signs of Dental Problems
Your pet needs to see a veterinarian whenever he or she displays any of the following behaviors:
- drools more often than usual
- eats with the head tilted
- keeps dropping food
- loses weight despite having a good appetite
- red gums
- blood coming from the mouth
- loses or breaks a tooth
- swelling of the mouth or face
Contact Our Veterinarian for Pet Dental Care
If you have questions about pet dental care and live in the Denville, Fairfield, or Bergen County areas, contact All Creatures Great and Small Animal Hospital and Urgent Care. Call Dr. Mitrovic today at (973) 625-3641 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.