Veterinarian San Diego: 5 Signs Your Dog or Cat Needs Dental Care
Escondido, California (PRWEB) January 26, 2014 -- Did you know 80 percent of dogs and cats over the age of 3 suffer from moderate to severe dental disease? If left untreated, this can cause significant discomfort for your pet and possibly lead to larger systematic problems such as gum and heart diseases.
Dog and cat dental problems are not always noticeable to the untrained eye. Here are 5 important signs to look for regarding your pet’s oral health.
1) Bad breath is not normal! Foul smelling breath is a likely sign that bacteria is trapped in the mouth. It’s best to bring your animal in for a checkup and professional cleaning when you first notice an unusual odor.
2) Loose, broken or missing teeth: If you have found your pet has loose or missing teeth, this is often a major indicator of a more serious problem. Loose or broken teeth can lead to bacterial infections spreading from the root of one of the teeth to the rest of your pet's mouth.
3) Difficulty eating: If you pet is struggling to eat, it may be because if inflammation caused by an oral infection. Even if a pet’s most recent dental checkup came back clear, it’s a smart idea to have a dog or cat checked when they have stopped eating is this is usually a later sign that indicates a more progressive disease.
4) Red, swollen or bleeding gums: If you examine your pet’s gums and find that they are red, swollen or even bleeding, this inflammation is likely caused by an infection.
5) Yellow or brown stained teeth: Dog and cat dental stains are one of the first signs of a dental problem. This is caused by tartar buildup which brings bacteria and leads to infections, inflammation, and bleeding in the gums. If addressed promptly with a professional dental cleaning, it can usually be nipped in the bud.
If you notice any of the above signs, contact the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Parkway Pet Clinic to immediately schedule an appointment. All dog and cat dentals performed by Parkway Pet Clinic include digital dental X-rays and tooth-by-tooth assessments by our Veterinarian and professional staff who has advanced training in dentistry.
Alia Henderson, Parkway Pet clinic, http://parkwaypetveterinarian.com, 760-743-0973, [email protected]
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