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Most pet owners are familiar enough with doggy or kitty breath that they start to inch toward acceptance. But what if we told you that the first sign of periodontal (gum) disease was stinky breath? Aside from simple aging and normal wear and tear, the majority of pets over age three show many signs of dental disease. The good news is that with regular pet dental care, your best friend can enjoy a longer, healthier life (and better smelling breath!).

Dental care in pets is a very important, yet often overlooked, aspect of animal health and husbandry. All Creatures Veterinary Hospital of Brooklyn knows that pet owners want to do the best for their furry friends, though. We are happy to share why and when you might want to think about dental disease in dogs.

If you’ve snuggled up on the couch with your pet recently and noticed that their breath was – ahem – less than fresh, it may be time to schedule a pet dental exam. Bad breath is one of the signs of dental disease in pets, a common, but preventable problem.

Dental disease in pets is so common, in fact, that by the time pets are 4 years of age, over 85% of them have some form of periodontal disease.

Unfortunately, pets are very good at hiding signs of pain and discomfort from even their closest people. And make no mistake – dental disease is painful for your pet; aside from bad breath, dental disease in pets can cause swollen, bleeding gums, diseased and infected teeth, tooth loss or fracture, and even systemic disease when bacteria from the mouth enter your pet’s bloodstream.

That’s why All Creatures Veterinary Hospital of Brooklyn  believes in prevention. Luckily, dental disease can be controlled and even prevented with a team approach, which includes regular preventive dental exams, regular professional dental cleanings, and regular at home care – including daily tooth brushing.

Here, we’ll show you how.

Many of us are used to our own dental care routine: brush twice a day, floss, and see our dentist for a cleaning once or twice a year. Did you know that pet dental care is equally important? It’s true! Before you scoff at this, give us a chance to give you an overview of why dental care for pets really matters, and how it can actually improve your pet’s health, happiness, and longevity.

Dental disease is more common than you think. By the age of 3, an estimated 80% of dogs have some form of periodontal disease. Studies also show that between 50-90% of cats have dental disease by 4 years of age.

At All Creatures Veterinary Hospital of Brooklyn, we firmly believe that good oral health is a part of a comprehensive preventative care plan for all pets. Here are some of the reasons why pet dental care so important.

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