If Your Pup Is Suffering From Bad Breath, You Have To Get Them Checked

Get ready – February is National Pet Dental Health Month! Your pet’s teeth and gums are important to their overall health.

If you take your cat or dog to the vet once a year, you know that the doctor will always look inside your pet’s mouth to assess their teeth and gums. Bad dog or cat breath may indicate your pet has periodontal disease. If your pet has a constant odor emanating from their mouth, they may be dealing with a persistent infection.

One thing you can do to help keep your dog or cat’s mouth healthy is to brush their teeth. Unlike people, you would only have to brush their teeth every other day. Along with regular brushing dental treats, rubber dog toys, and water additives can help boost dental health. Here are a few facts about dental health:

• Discolored teeth are often no longer alive and could be the source of infection.
• More than 50% of cats and dogs will show signs of dental disease by the age of three without regular dental care.
• The most common disease in cats and dogs is periodontal disease.

Bacteria and food particles form plaque on the teeth – and that is all it takes for periodontal disease to start. In just a few days minerals from saliva turn the plaque into tartar. Those same bacteria can get into the gums and cause gingivitis. The bacteria then begin to destroy all the tissue around the teeth, which can lead to tooth loss. Bottom line – take care of your pet’s teeth!

Feature Image Source: Pixabay