Dental Care
One of the most neglected aspects of pet health is dental care. A fact that you may find surprising is that regular dental screenings and oral hygiene can actually add years to the life of your pet.
As with people, oral disease in pets begins with bacteria in the mouth that harden and form plaque that adhere to teeth. If not removed through regular care and cleaning, these bacteria will accumulate, harden into tartar, and can lead to the development of periodontal disease. Constant swallowing of these bacteria can potentially cause damage to major organs of the body such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.
At Holly Pond Animal Clinic we recommend annual dental exams and cleaning in order to prevent the development of periodontal disease or other health problems.
If you notice your pets illustrating the following symptoms, they may be suffering from periodontal disease:
- Bad breath
- Blood in the saliva
- Drooling
- Loose teeth
- Lack of eating due to pain in the mouth
- Weight loss
If you have a question or concerns regarding your pet’s dental health, please give us a call at (256) 796-0055.