Important Tips for Pet Dental Health

Dental disease is the most common clinical condition among pets, with over 70% of dogs and cats showing some degree of periodontal disease by the age of 3. Dental health is critically important to maintaining your pet’s overall health and wellness, as any presence of tooth or gum disease can lead to further health complications in your pet. Use these tips to help safeguard your pet’s dental health with ease.

Always Use Pet-Safe Toothpaste

Simply brushing your pet’s teeth daily is a major factor in reducing their risk of developing advanced periodontal disease. However, it’s important that you always use pet-safe toothpaste. In addition to being a pet-friendly flavor, these specially formulated toothpastes are free from human toothpaste ingredients which can be toxic for pets.

Start Early

While puppies and kittens lose their baby teeth within 4-6 months of age, brushing their teeth as soon as they come home can help you both establish a healthy dental routine early. Remember: every minute you spend brushing your young pet’s teeth is a minute you won’t have to spend wrestling an adult animal! 

...But It’s Never Too Late to Start

Old dogs (and cats) can learn new tricks! If you don’t have a teeth brushing routine with your pet, it’s not too late to start one. Start slow by getting them comfortable with you handling their mouth and teeth, then move on to introducing the brush, then brush in increasingly longer increments. With patience and consistency, you and your pet might even look forward to teeth brushing time.

Know the Signs

Pets are good at hiding the early symptoms of dental disease, and will often keep eating, playing, and acting normally through considerable discomfort. Changes in cat dental health can be harder to spot than changes in dog dental health since cats overall do less licking and panting, which can give pet parents a whiff of what’s going on sooner. Noticeable symptoms such as decreased appetite, resistance to chewing, excessive drooling, facial swelling, and bad breath are indicators in all pets of later stage disease — and that you should talk to your Lovet team.  

Know Risk Factors

Some pet breeds are more at risk than others for developing tooth and gum issues due to anatomical differences caused by breeding standards. For example, breeds with shortened snouts like Persian cats and Shih Tzu dogs tend to have more crowded teeth, which can then cause other complications. Your Lovet vet can provide personalized advice based on your pet’s breed(s) and lifestyle so that you know what to look out for over time. 

Trust the Pros

Professional dental care is the same for pets as it is for humans, which means it’s an important part of complete dental wellness for your pet. Professional dental care for pets includes exams, x-rays, and deep cleanings that address more than what can be done at home. Vets use tools similar to human dentists to remove plaque from underneath your pet’s gumline for long-lasting results.

The key difference between human and pet dental care is that your pet will be under anesthesia for their comfort and safety during the procedure. They’ll be closely monitored by your Lovet team during and after the procedure. As a result, your pet might be a little groggy when they come home after their cleaning.

Schedule an Appointment at Lovet

At Lovet, we understand the critical role dental wellness plays in your pet’s whole-body health and happiness. That's why we use the latest developments in veterinary science to assess and address your pet’s oral health at every step. From worry-free exams to cutting-edge surgery techniques to personalized, compassionate advice, we’ll be your partner in safeguarding your pet from tooth and gum disease. Find a Lovet location near you and book an appointment today to get started. 

_{Disclaimer: Not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.}