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Providing for our pet’s needs is seemingly simple; nutritious food, warm shelter, basic veterinary care, plenty of exercise, and lots of love is a recipe for a happy and healthy pet. Most pet owners are more than happy to take good care of their furry friends, but one aspect is often overlooked: pet dental care.

Although you wouldn’t go days, weeks, months, or years without brushing your teeth or visiting the dentist, (hopefully!) it’s easy to overlook a pet’s oral health. The truth is that pets need dental care as much as humans do, and ignoring it can lead to disastrous health consequences.

There is much ado about dental treats and chews that promise to give your pet a healthier smile and good breath. The lure to rely heavily on these treats can be tempting for pet owners who dislike the doggie halitosis and want to avoid brushing their pet’s teeth (ah, the struggle). The team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center is here to separate fact from fiction when it comes to pet dental chews, as well as recommend some ways to keep your dog’s pearly whites in great condition.

A normal part of your pet’s wellness exam involves looking at the condition of the teeth and gums. The presence of tartar, cracked teeth, or reddened gums can definitely lead us to suspect that bigger problems are at play. Because the damage caused by periodontal disease occurs below the gum line, however, a pet dental exam gives us greater access to understand the extent. 

Starting Early

Young animals lose their baby teeth when adult teeth grow in. A pet dental exam can be helpful to ascertain if the teeth are growing in normally. At this point, we can also help owners establish good practices at home. We can also look closely for any of the following: