Did you know that your dogs and cats need to have their teeth cleaned and maintained just like humans do? It's true! Your cat or dog is prone to tooth infections, decay, cavities, and uncomfortable dental diseases such as periodontal disease. Not many cat or dog owners understand just how important it is to maintain a pet's teeth properly.

Proper pet dental care includes taking your pet to visit a veterinarian for teeth cleaning and other dental services. At Fort Mill Animal Hospital in Fort Mill, we make it our mission to educate pet owners on the importance of dental hygiene and provide valuable information on pet dental care. Let’s look at some of the questions that we run into regarding pet dental care.

Does My Pet Need Teeth Cleanings?

Your dog's diet consists of both hard and soft foods and many foods contain starches such as potatoes. These starches turn into sugar, which can eat away at your dog's teeth and can be detrimental to their health. Just like humans, dogs are prone to tooth infections including:

• Periodontal disease
• Gum disease
• Gingivitis
• Plaque and tartar buildup
• Tooth decay (although rare)

How Do I Know If My Pet Needs Dental Care?

It can be easy to forget about your dog or cat's dental hygiene. It is important to keep on the lookout for symptoms that can indicate a tooth infection. These symptoms include:

• Bad breath
• Yelping when eating
• Eating with only one side of the mouth
• Reduced appetite
• Blood on their chew toys
• Blood in their drool
• Blood in the water bowl
• Changes in behavior
• Swollen Face
• Fever

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it can be a sign that it has a tooth infection, abscess, or other dental issues that need medical attention. Tooth infections can quickly affect the gums and surrounding areas. They can lead to worsening bacterial infections and sepsis.

How Can a Veterinarian Help?

Our veterinarians can determine the cause of your pet's dental issue and recommend an appropriate course of action. Annual dental cleanings and checkups are the first defense to protecting your pet’s teeth and gums. Additional measures may include changes in diet, adding dental toys, and following up for extra dental care visits as needed.

Schedule Pet Dental Care At Fort Mill Animal Hospital

Our veterinarians at Fort Mill Animal Hospital are here to provide pet dental care and other professional veterinary services. Call our team today at (803) 547-2014 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.