Oral Care Guide for Pet Owners

Pets Need Dental Care, Too
For most of us, caring for our teeth and gums has been part of our daily routine for as long as we can remember. Just like you, your pet needs dental care too - regular, professional care from your veterinarian and effective home care from you to keep your pet's mouth healthy.

Causes of Periodontal Disease
Plaque is a colorless film that contains large amounts of bacteria. If left unchecked, plaque builds up, creating infection, destroying gums and resulting in the loss of the tissue and bone that support the teeth.

Signs of Periodontal Disease
All pets are at risk of developing dental problems. Once your pet displays any of the warning signs below, serious periodontal disease may be present.

  • Bad breath
  • Yellow-brown crust on teeth
  • Bleeding gums
  • Change of chewing or eating habits
  • Tooth loss
  • Change in behavior
  • Abnormal drooling

Contributing Factors
Poor Oral Hygiene:Ignoring the condition of your pet's mouth can lead to periodontal disease, tooth loss and other serious health problems, such as heart, liver and kidney failure.

Breed: Periodontal disease is more common in smaller breeds of dogs and certain breeds of cats.

Age: Periodontal disease is more common as pets grow older.

Don't wait for these signs.
Periodontal disease can be prevented in most pets through professional and home care.
Start a preventative program of veterinarian-supervised dental care today.

    Tips on Home Care
  • Watch your pet for the warning signs of periodontal disease
  • Discuss a plan with your veterinarian that may include daily brushing, dental food, a weekly product, food addatives, and or dental treats
  • If you brush your pet's teeth, it's best to introduce the practice gradually and early; training may take several days or week
  • Never brush your pet's teeth with toothpaste designed for people. It contains ingredients that may upset your pet's stomach
    Steps to Better Oral Care
  1. 1. VISIT YOUR VETERINARIAN: Every regular exam in our clinic includes a thorough dental exam. If we find signs of disease, we will recommend a treatment plan. It is important for the overall health of your pet that we take care of any dental problems we find. We will also recommend a home care plan that is a key part of keeping your pet healthy.
  2. 2. START AN ORAL CARE ROUTINE AT HOME: Plaque should be removed from your pet's teeth before it mineralizes into tarter. Discuss which methods of removing plaque are best for you and your pet with us.
  3. 3. SCHEDULE REGULAR DENTAL CHECKUPS: We monitor the progress of your pet's preventive program, so regular dental checkups are essential, just as twice-a-year checkups are important for people. For pets who form tarter quickly or those with a history of oral problems, frequent examinations and cleanings may be advised.