Dog owners naturally give much importance to the regular grooming sessions and exercise routine for their pet, however, for some reason they tend to forget about the proper dental care.
Since it is still the beginning of the year, and with February actually being the month of National Pet Dental Health, Dr. Bert Dodd, clinical professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, says it is the perfect time to develop a plan for your pet’s oral hygiene. Who are we to disagree?
Overall Health
“Overall health can be affected by oral disease, which can get into the blood stream and affect the animal’s internal organs and joints. Often, exceptionally bad breath is the first indicator of oral disease, alongside excessive drooling, inflamed gums, and loose teeth.”
Poor dental hygiene can also cause periodontal disease, gingivitis, halitosis, gum disease, mouth tumors, dropping food and facial pain. If your pooch starts to show any sign of mouth discomfort or exceptionally bad breath, it is definitely a good idea to check in with your veterinarian.
Dental Plan
Proper dental care for your pet should begin while he is still a puppy, which is something pet owners often overlook.
If you haven’t started taking care of your Buddy’s teeth, “it is vital that your veterinarian teach you how to properly care for their teeth and gums right away. Oral examinations and cleaning should be performed on your pet at the very least once a year,” said Dr. Dodd. “They should be performed more frequently if home care can’t be done or if the animal has any other oral problems.”
Dental health should become your daily ritual if you want to keep your pooch healthy. Keep that in mind.