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How important is it to take care of my dog's teeth??
Dental care of dogs and cats is one
of the most commonly overlooked areas of pet health care. In fact, a recent
American Animal Hospital Association study showed that approximately two-thirds
of pet owners do not provide the dental care that is recommended as essential by
veterinarians. What’s more, the American Veterinary Dental Society reports that
80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age
three.
Dental disease doesn’t affect
just the mouth. It can lead to more serious health problems including heart,
lung and kidney disease, which makes it all the more important that you provide
your pets with proper dental care from the start.
AAHA’s Dental Care Guidelines
for Dogs and Cats were designed to provide veterinarians and their teams with a
working framework for small animal dentistry practice, including dental
examinations and cleaning and surgical procedures. Your pet’s dental health
isn’t just in the hands of your veterinarian though. Pet owner education
regarding treatment options for optimum dental health and the importance of home
care are emphasized throughout the guidelines.
Dental Care at the
Veterinary Practice
There are two critical components of your pet’s veterinary dental care:
oral examinations and dental cleanings. Veterinary dental care begins at the
puppy and kitten life stage. AAHA recommends that veterinarians evaluate puppies
and kittens for problems related to the deciduous (baby) teeth, missing or extra
teeth, swellings and oral development. As your pet ages, your veterinarian will
look for developmental anomalies, the accumulation of plaque and tartar,
periodontal disease and oral tumors.
Veterinarians can perform a
basic oral examination on patients that are awake. However, a short-lasting
anesthetic is required in order to provide a complete and thorough examination
as well as dental cleanings.
The AAHA Dental Care Guidelines
recommend regular oral examinations and dental cleanings, under general
anesthesia, for all adult dogs and cats. AAHA recommends these procedures at
least annually starting at one year of age for cats and small-breed dogs, and at
two years of age for large-breed dogs.
Home Dental Care
Your pet’s dental care doesn’t rest with your veterinarian alone. As a pet
owner, you play a pivotal role in helping ensure your pet’s dental health
through regular teeth brushing. For more information on getting started, read
our teeth
brushing article.
Remember… pets can live longer,
healthier lives if oral health care is managed and maintained throughout their
lives. In fact, proper dental care can add as much as five years to your pet's
life! Talk to your veterinarian about developing a dental care plan for your
furry friend.
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