“Dental disease is the number one illness found in both dogs and cats.”
Maintaining your pet’s dental health is essential to their overall health and longevity. Pets do not often get cavities, but they do frequently suffer from other types of dental disease. Dental disease can cause serious problems for your pet ranging from gum inflammation and infection to tooth loss and even organ damage. As many as 80% of dogs and 70% of cats that do not receive proper dental care will develop signs of dental disease by three years of age. Town & Country Vets recommends a yearly dental examination and prophylaxis (professional cleaning).
Common signs of dental disease include:
- Yellow or brown buildup (tartar) on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Excessive drooling
- Changes in eating or chewing habits
- Pawing at the face
- Loose teeth
- Depression
Town & Country Veterinarians offer professional dental cleanings, including any necessary extractions, and digital dental radiography while taking all necessary precautions for a safe anesthetic procedure. In addition, our experienced team can provide recommendations for good home dental care. While dental cleanings may seem to be an added expense, they are a very cost-effective investment in your pet’s health. Caught early, dental problems are easy to treat. Neglected, they can turn into serious, costly, and painful problems.
