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Maintaining Your Dog or Cat’s Dental Health

Your dog or cat’s dental health is important to your pet’s overall health. Studies show that a person’s dental health affects the health of important organs, and the same is true for cats and dogs. Particles of decay that build up in the mouth can travel to the organs of the body and cause a shortened lifespan or disease. You can prevent dental related health problems by scheduling regular dental checkups with a veterinarian at Western Veterinary Group animal hospital in Lomita.

Common Pet Dental Problems

Pets experience similar dental problems as their owners. Plaque buildup can stain the teeth, cause gingivitis, abscesses, bad breath, and periodontal disease. Most pet owners do not brush their pet’s teeth regularly, thinking that discoloration is just a normal side effect of eating dog or cat food. However, a dog or cat’s teeth should be white and the gum line should be free from inflammation and bleeding.

Periodontal disease is serious for pets because it can contribute to loose teeth, abscesses, and severe bleeding along the gum line. Pets can also begin to lose bone density in the jaw line. An experienced dental veterinarian cannot reverse the effects of periodontal disease, but he or she can stop the progression of it with regular dental treatments.

Signs Your Pet May Need Dental Care

If you don’t take your pet to an animal hospital for regular checkups, then you need to pay particular attention to the signs that your pet’s teeth may be hurting. If your pet has excessive drool that is not a result of begging for food or being too hot, it could be a tooth problem. Your dog or cat may also paw at its mouth or appear to be trying to remove something that’s stuck in its mouth. Bad breath is often a sign of beginning dental problems or severe plaque buildup. With proper dental care by one of our Lomita veterinarians, you can help prevent dental problems and keep your pet healthy for years.