Your Pet’s Teeth Could Be Making Him Sick

If your pet had a toothache would you know it? Maybe not. It could progress to the stage of causing other ailments and disease in your pet, even shortening his life, without your knowing. Most people go to great lengths to ensure love, attention, food and more for their pets, but sometimes dentistry is overlooked. Your pet’s teeth could be causing your animal to have everything from stomach upset to bone damage below the teeth.

By the time you realize your pet is in great pain the damage to his teeth and gums is already done. And, gum inflammation is one of the major sources of disease – even death – in a pet. Bacteria enters the blood stream through the site of the decay, possibly causing kidney and liver disease, heart disease, and other health issues. Your pet can be very sick, to the point of death, if he is not treated for decaying teeth.

People have different attitudes towards pet dentistry. Some think if they give soft dog food instead of hard food, it’ll protect their dog’s teeth. Others think if they do the opposite, that will help. Still others think if they give the dogs chew bones that it will take care of plaque and such. In reality, though, genetics is what plays the largest part in the strength of your dog’s teeth.

Getting regular checkups for your dog, along with cleaning and minor dental work, will help keep your dog’s teeth as healthy as possible. Signs that your pet may have dental problems, or other ailments related to dental problems, include refusal to eat or crying out while eating, blood in the urine or stool, loose bowels, vomiting, swelling, sleeping too much, non-activity, and even difficulty breathing.

Although dental work for your pet can be very expensive, regular vet checkups usually include a glimpse of the teeth from your vet at no extra charge. Dental cleaning, done once every six months, can mean a huge savings in bills for extracting, capping and such. Once every couple of years you should also have your dog’s teeth x-rayed to see if there is any bone damage unseen from the mouth.

Taking care of your pet is your responsibility, because you’re his owner, but vet bills and medicine can be extremely expensive – more than some can afford. Save in the long run by regularly brushing your pet’s teeth, getting them cleaned once a year at the vet, and having regular checkups for dental and other diseases. Your pet deserves the best care – including dental care – he can get.