Pet Owners Warned about Overlooking Dental Care
Most people know that they need to brush their teeth and floss to keep oral diseases at bay, but many be unaware that they need to take the same cautious approach to their pet’s oral health.
Numerous studies have indicated that levels of decay and gum disease among pets are extremely high and around 80 percent of dogs suffer from signs of gum disease at some point in their lives and the figures for cats are only marginally lower.
Signs to look out for include bleeding gums, pain when chewing or eating, swollen or red gums and changes in eating habits. It is important to take pets to the vet if you notice any of these signs, as gum disease is a progressive condition and once it has become advanced it can be very difficult to treat. Studies have also shown that poor oral health in pets is linked to an increased risk in medical conditions, affecting major organs including the kidneys, liver and heart, which can be very harmful and even life-threatening.
Regular dental checks are the best way of reducing the risk of oral diseases.
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