Friday

Feline and Canine Dental Health

Your furry companions need dental health just as you and the rest of your family do. Cats and dogs rely on their teeth to be able to properly chew and digest food, and can develop dental health issues just like people can. It is important to take good care of your pet’s dental health needs.

Periodontal disease and inflammation of the gums are two common dental health concerns with cats and dogs. Gingivitis is caused by plaque forming on the surface of the teeth. If it is not treated, it can continue to progress to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is associated with oral pain, ulceration and the loss of alveolar teeth and bone. It also may lead to damage of other organs in the body.

Some diseases like periodontal disease have been linked to include kidney disease, cardiovascular system disease, lung problems and damage to the immune system.

There are types of dental health problems that occur in cats and dogs and are different that some that occur in people. Because dogs and cats have sharp inclined planes in their dentition, they are not susceptible to cavities. Three major dental health problems that are seen in cats and dogs are oral malodor, gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is one of the most common dental health diseases that is found in cats and dogs. It has been reported for over seventy years and is a problem across the world. Dogs seem to develop periodontal disease due to factors like old age. This most prevalent in small breeds and toy breeds. Cats seem to also develop periodontal disease, but the causes and links are not as well known as with dogs.

Make sure you consider the dental health of your pets when you are seeing your vet. If you are concerned with any possible problems or diseases that your pet may have, it is a good idea to get them checked and have a dental check up as well.

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