Think your beloved cat or dog is safe from the horrors of Periodontal Disease? THINK AGAIN!
Plaque, tartar, & calculus build-up occurs in cats and dogs the same way it does in humans.
Food particles left on teeth, combined with bacteria found in the mouth, form the deadly combination causing plaque!
Health risks are the same too. Studies have found that excessive periodontal diseases in dogs and cats cause kidney, heart and liver damage!
If you can't stand the idea of these things happening to your precious Mittens or Fido, continue reading for warning signs and prevention.
Signs to look for in your pet...
(HINT: they are the same signs that you would look for in yourself if you suspected you had periodontal disease.)
- bad breath
- irritated, red, swollen, & bleeding gums
- loss in appetite because of pain in their mouth
- loose/missing teeth
Prevention
(Pay close attention!)
The only way to save your dog and/or cat from pain and tooth loss is to take them for regular veterinary check-ups and to clean their teeth everyday with specialized pet toothbrushes and toothpastes.
Take a look at these videos to see how easy brushing your pet's teeth can be.
[source: http://www.vohc.org/perio.htm#cause]
[photo sources: http://www.syncrocloud.com/petdental & http://www.pet-care-unleashed.com/dog-dental-care.html]
