Why You Need to Take Your Pet's Dental Health Seriously

Just like their owners, dogs and cats need dental care too. A study shows that by the time pets are 3-years-old, more than 80 percent of them will have some form of periodontal disease. Dental care is often something that pet owners overlook. At Boysen Animal Hospital, we are proud to serve the Saint Cloud, Minnesota, area for pet dental care needs. In this article, we will take a closer look at why it is so important.

The Importance of Pet Dental Care

There are similarities when it comes to poor oral health in both humans and animals. Ideally, we should be brushing our teeth twice a day and flossing once a day, and while cats and dogs don't exactly need to stick to such a rigorous schedule, the effects of poor oral health are similar. When plaque builds up over time on teeth, it can harden and exist below the gum line. Tartar on teeth is easy to remove, but when it's present below the gum line, it can cause major problems for pets. Here's a look at some of them:

• Discomfort and pain
• Inflammation and bleeding
• Loose or broken teeth
• Bad breath
• Loss of appetite
• Drooling
• Tooth Loss
• Systemic Infection

How to Prevent Dental Disease

There are many ways to prevent plaque and tartar buildup with your pets. Buy your animal's dental toys that are designed to clean teeth and freshen breath. You can also brush your pet's teeth a few days each week using a special type of toothpaste and brush approved by a veterinarian. If you want to give your dog or cat good teeth cleaning, or if he needs other more intensive dental work, a visit to the vet may be in order. Our veterinarians will administer anesthesia to help your pet stay still, so proper dental care can be performed. Anesthesia is always required for a deep cleaning below your pet's gum line.

Seeing the vet for regular teeth cleanings can also help detect jaw issues, infections, and cysts or tumors in the mouth.

Contact Our Saint Cloud Vets Today

Much as it's the case in humans, dental problems can often be reversed with thorough cleaning and better attention to oral health. At Boysen Animal Hospital, we're here to help. Contact us today for more information on the importance of oral care for your pets.

As Saint Cloud's preferred animal hospital, we have the experience, knowledge, and expertise to treat oral issues, so we can help your pet live a long, happy, and healthy life. Contact us today at 320-258-5400 for more information.