Your Pet’s Teeth Come First
Can you imagine what your teeth would look like if you never brushed them? It’s no different for cats and dogs, though many pet owners don’t pay much attention to their pet’s dental health. Bad breath and dirty teeth aren’t just unpleasant, they can be indicators of gum disease that spreads to the kidneys, heart, and liver. The gums act as a boundary to the bloodstream, so without regular dental care, you may be neglecting an important factor in your pet’s overall health.
85% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of three suffer from some form of dental disease, so chances are your pet could benefit from a dental exam. Even if your pet’s teeth don’t look stained, bacteria can still be present below the gum line, which is why a professional oral exam matters. In fact, if your pet has bad breath, that’s already a sign of dental disease at work.
Without proper care, plaque builds up and hardens into tartar, spreading over time and leading to gum disease, tooth loss, and real pain for your pet. Your pet feels the pain of a toothache just like you would, but they can’t tell you when something hurts. You wouldn’t go weeks or months ignoring your own toothache, and your pet shouldn’t have to either.
What You Can Do at Home
While professional dental care from our veterinary team is essential, your efforts at home play an important role too:
- Brush your pet’s teeth regularly using a pet-safe toothpaste
- Offer dental chews or treats designed to help reduce plaque and tartar
- Watch for early warning signs like bad breath, drooling, or reluctance to chew
- Schedule annual dental exams as part of your pet’s routine wellness care
The best thing you can do to prevent dental disease is to call San Juan Veterinary Hospital to schedule a dental appointment for your pet. You handle the day-to-day care at home, and our veterinarians handle the professional cleanings and evaluations, including full dental services, that are essential for long-term oral health. Annual dental exams are a necessary part of your pet’s overall wellness, so call us at (505) 326-2205 or stop by in person to talk about your pet’s dental health today.
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