By Dr. Vinod Sharma, Head of Veterinary Services at DCC Animal Hospital
Just like regular check-ups, flea and tick shots, dental care is also critical for ensuring a healthy and happy life for your pets. Poor dental health can create a number of long-term issues if left untreated or unattended. So, regular dental check-ups are a must from an early age, as preventive care is always better than curative care!
Even for us humans, tartar, bad breath, or a chipped tooth can be very troublesome. Right? Most of us become incredibly uncomfortable and irritable when we have a tooth issue. Not only is it a constant and consistent thing, at times making even speaking painful, it feels worse every time you eat something, taking the joy out of the food as well!
It’s no different for our canines; the only thing is, they can’t make a fuss about it, or at least not express it in a language we can understand. So, we as pet parents need to monitor their dental health closely, with check-ups scheduled at regular intervals, as they start developing dental issues once they are over 3 years of age. By this time, more than 80 percent of dogs have some or the other form of dental disease, also known as periodontal disease. And dental diseases in dogs have serious consequences; hence, maintaining good dental care for your furry friend is very important.
Because of the lack of a definitive way to identify whether their pet is suffering from a dental problem, 90 percent of pet-owners assume their dogs’ teeth and gums are healthy, while the underlying conditions only get worse with time. So, if you make dental checks a regular practice with your vet, most of the common complications are unlikely to develop. But always watch out for the following signs, and if you spot any of these, book an appointment with your vet immediately!
● Broken teeth
● Loose teeth
● Bad breath
● Painful and bleeding mouth
● Refusal or inability to eat and drink
● Drooling
These, if left untreated, can cause bacteria to develop and also damage organs. Thus, to make sure your pets are pain-free, disease-free, happy, and healthy, be cognizant of their dental health and ensure that your vet gives their dental wellness the importance it deserves!
What causes dental disease in pets?
Dental disease begins when bacteria accumulate in your pet’s mouth to form plaque, which hardens into tartar that can spread below the gumline. Once tartar spreads below the gumline, it begins to cause problems not only for your pet’s oral health, but also for their overall health, as a whole.
How often does my dog or cat need to have their teeth cleaned?
It can vary. A mixture of genetics, jaw structure, home oral healthcare, and lifestyle can make a huge difference in how often your pet’s teeth need to be professionally cleaned, and the only way to know is to have them evaluated by a veterinarian.
Once evaluated, professional teeth cleanings can be scheduled, if necessary, where the veterinarian deep cleans the inside of your pet’s mouth, above and below the gumline. The procedure also requires your pet to be placed under general anaesthesia, so speak to your veterinarian at the earliest to figure out the best schedule and options for your pet’s dental care routine!
Inputs by Dr. Vinod Sharma, Head of Veterinary Services at DCC Animal Hospital
