Even the most devoted pet owners may not realize that proper oral care is as important for pets as it is for people. Pets need to maintain strong, healthy teeth for more than just eating, grooming, catching a Frisbee or capturing a catnip mouse. In pets, dental disease can be life threatening. Bacteria from tooth decay and gum disease can enter your pet’s bloodstream, resulting in infection to the heart, lungs and other parts of the body.

That’s why we put so much importance on oral care at Pet Doctors of America. Regular cleaning by our licensed veterinarians is the most effective way to ensure good dental health. We also offer vaccines that can aid in the prevention of periodontal disease. There are several things you can also do at home to assure good oral health in your pets: 

     Feed them hard, coarse foods

    Provide rawhide, hard rubber or nylon chew toys

    Brush your pet’s teeth periodically with special enzymatic toothpaste developed for dogs and cats

In addition, you should watch for symptoms of periodontal disease, including:

    Bad breath

    Red or swollen gums

    A yellow-brown crust near the gum line

    Loose or missing teeth

    Discomfort when the mouth is touched

    Decreased appetite due to difficulty chewing