Pet Dental Care

February is National Pet Dental Health Month and, as veterinarians, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to shine a light on such a pivotal topic. And while we seem to hear more about dog dental care, cat dentistry gets far too little attention. Just like dogs with dental disease, cats can have trouble eating, painful mouths, and the infections can even spread into the bloodstream.

Cat dental care certainly isn’t the most exciting topic we veterinarians care to chat about with pet owners. On the other hand, we understand just how crucial a contribution this is to overall cat wellness. We also see firsthand the extremely negative and sometimes painful effects of a less-than-stellar (or no) cat dental routine.

Does your fido or fluffy have bad breath? That offensive odor could signify serious health risks for you beloved pet. To help keep you aware of potential health issues, we've compiled a list of dental and oral complications to look out for.

Here are the top 10 things you need to know:

1. Periodontal disease is the #1 diagnosed problem in dogs and cats. By age 3, 85% of dogs & cats are affected with some level of dental disease.
    

Have you taken a look inside your pet’s mouth lately? If not, you could be missing some serious clues into Fluffy or Fido’s well-being.

Periodontal disease affects nearly 85 percent of all cats and dogs over three years of age. In addition to association with liver, kidney and heart disorders, this disease is a frequent source of pain and often leads to poor general health. 

Did you know that dental disease affects nearly 85 percent of dogs and cats over three years of age? Imagine the equivalent—a human not brushing his/her teeth for 20 years—and you can easily understand why! Fortunately, dental disease is a treatable and preventable problem in most pets.

Need an additional incentive or two to make an appointment for your pet? Here are five great reasons to consider a professional dental cleaning: