Does your Pet’s breath knock you over?
Dental disease can be silent, but bad breath can be an indicator that your pet has dental issues. 80% of dogs and 70 % of cats at the age of 3 already have signs of dental disease.
Signs of dental disease may include:
- Bad breath
- Inflamed /Bleeding gums
- Brownish/Yellow buildup on teeth
- Pawing at face
- Changes in chewing/ eating habits
- Pain when eating
- Refusing to eat
Dental disease is caused by bacteria. As your pet eats, bacteria along with food and saliva form a slippery coating on the teeth called plaque. This overtime forms a hard brownish/yellow covering known as tartar. The bacterium within this tartar invades the gum line causing infection and inflammation. Bacteria and toxic products resulting from chronic inflammation may enter the bloodstream creating risks for kidney, heart and liver disease. The good news is that dental disease is preventable.
The month of February is Dental Awareness at the Vernon Veterinary Clinic.