Oral Hygiene Isn't for Humans Only
We love our pets oftentimes more than we love and care for ourselves! We do everything recommended to us by our veterinarians and by reputable authors of pet guides regarding nutrition, training, and all of the paraphernalia that goes along with owning a pet. We choose the best food bowls, and the highest quality of food we can to fill it. We find the softest, warmest, fluffiest pillow we can find so our furry friends can curl up surrounded by the many squeaky toys and tinkle bells they love to play with! But there is one area that is not often discussed except maybe behind the walls of a veterinarians office--and that is the dental care required to keep your pet healthy and safe. Even though you will be deluged with information on vaccinations and de-worming along with many sources of nutritional information, it is vitally important that you understand why dental care of your pet’s teeth is so important.
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has recently developed dental care guidelines to provide veterinarians with information for the proper care of our pets teeth. These guidelines were developed to help veterinarians and their staff receive a better understanding of dental care for their patients. It has been determined that approximately two thirds of American pet owners don’t even consider dental care as part of their pets medical needs and as a result nearly 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop oral disease.
Dental disease can lead to more serious issues regarding your pet’s health, affecting their kidneys, lungs, heart, and other organs. This can happen when disease progresses to the point that the animals blood contains contamination from the bacteria. Once the disease has progressed to this point, it can cause severe illness or even death.
Your dog or cat can develop gingivitis and periodontal disease. Just as these diseases can develop in humans from lack of proper oral care, your dog or cat can develop the same infections and must be treated in the same way. Preventative measures such as periodic cleaning with a specially designed toothpaste for dogs and a soft cloth is recommended for home care. Only your veterinarian can perform a more in-depth examination to determine if diseases present. Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Here, bacteria mixed with saliva form plaque. Plaque sticks to teeth and hardens, creating tartar and calculus. Gum tissue then becomes inflamed- swelling and infection are noted. Gums may be sensitive, red or bleeding and your pet may have trouble chewing. Another telltale sign is his bad breath. The sulfur or foul-smelling odor from your pets mouth is a high indication that there is trouble. Gingivitis is treatable if caught at an early stage. Often times it is necessary to put an animal under anesthesia so a thorough cleaning can be performed by the veterinarian.
If gingivitis is not prevented and is allowed to progress, it becomes Periodontal Disease. This condition is not treatable. The bone damage that has occurred is irreversible as well as any tooth damage. Roots of teeth are weakened and the animal may experience teeth that are loose or falling out. Your veterinarian can extract any loose teeth, but because of the damage that has already occurred, he cannot restore your pets mouth to a perfectly healthy state. Periodontal Disease is preventable. Regular dental care is essential in avoiding such hardship for your pet. Veterinarians and pet health officials highly suggest you begin an oral hygiene care system at a very early age with new puppies and kittens. This acquaints them with the routine and it becomes readily accepted early on reducing any anxiety your pet may experience.
The AAHA guidelines for veterinarians recommend oral examinations and cleanings on an annual basis, starting at one year of age for small pets, and two years of age for larger breed pets. Below is a brief summarization of these guidelines:
Pre- aesthetic exam-- thorough examination by your veterinarian to assure your pet is healthy and strong enough to withstand anesthesia. Your veterinarian may run blood, urine, electrocardiograph, and any x-ray tests to check for heart, kidney, or any other conditions that may prevent your pet from being an anesthetized.
Anesthesia Monitoring-- recording of vital signs such as body temperature, heart rate and respiration. This ensures the safety of your pet.
Dental Radiographs -- radiographs or x-rays are needed for a more complete evaluation of your pets teeth and gums. This allows for determination and detection of abnormal tissue that are not detected under general examination.
Scaling and Polishing -- instruments similar to the same ones used for humans are also used for your pets dental care to remove plaque and calculus from their teeth. These tools are used to smooth out scratches in enamel, and to polish.
Fluoride/Sealants -- anti-plaque substances such as fluoride are used to seal or create a barrier against plaque.
In summary, you and your veterinarian must work as a team to ensure the highest quality dental health care your pet can receive. Don’t rely on your veterinarian alone, for through your consistent efforts your pet will be smiling happily ever after and your veterinarian will be pleased to see you have made their job easier!
February is National Pet Dental Health Month! For further information visit the American Animal Health Association website at:
http://www.aahanet.org/about/index.aspx
For specific information on dental guidelines set forth by AA HA, go to: http://www.aahanet.org/resources/Guidelines_dental_resources.aspx