February is Dental Health Month, and we’re offering 25% off dental products! You can even get 50% off a toothbrush with any grooming or bath service! Plus, all raw bones are 20% off for February, and Answer’s Chicken & Pig Feet boxes are buy one get one free!
These treats actually help clean your pet’s teeth and mouth. In the meantime, here are some of our best educational tips on caring for your pet’s teeth.
How would you feel if you never brushed your teeth? Not so great, right?
And imagine what the dentist visit would cost! Just like it’s important for humans to take care of their teeth, the same goes for our pets. And when your pet has terrible breath, don’t wait to address the issue! Here are some of the issues that can occur if you fail to care for your pet’s teeth, taken from PetMD:
- Preventing tooth loss. When the structures supporting a dog’s teeth become damaged or infected, the teeth loosen and fall out. Good dog dental care will ensure that those teeth-supporting structures stay healthy and keep the teeth in place.
- Preventing bad breath (halitosis). If a whiff of your dog’s breath makes your nose hairs curl, it’s time for some good dental care. When your dog has a healthy mouth and healthy dog teeth, bad breath won’t be a problem.
- Preventing oral pain. Dental disease, especially when it’s severe, can be quite painful for dogs. Keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy will help prevent oral pain.
- Preventing organ damage. Bacteria in the plaque can enter the bloodstream and spread to the heart, kidneys and liver. This spread of bacteria, called bacteremia, can damage organs and make dogs quite sick. Good oral health will help prevent bacteria and subsequent organ damage.
- Preventing worsening dental disease. Because so many dogs have dental disease by the time they’re 3 years old, it can be difficult to prevent it from developing in the first place. However, good dog dental care can prevent dental disease from becoming severe and causing problems throughout the body.
It’s Not Just Bad Breath
Does your pet have bad breath? This common complaint seems harmless, but it’s commonly a symptom of poor oral health and an indicator of serious health issues. In fact, your dog is more likely to have periodontal disease than cavities! Canine periodontal disease affects around 80% of dogs by the time they are only three years old!
Signs Your Pet May Have Periodontal Disease:
- Difficulty eating or apparent lack of appetite
- Weight loss
- Drooling
- Bad breath
- Tooth discoloration or visible tartar
- Loose or missing teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Periodontal disease is a painful oral infection that can cause tooth loss and even organ damage. It commonly begins with mild tooth discoloration, but without regular cleaning, this plaque builds up and becomes hard tartar that is firmly attached to teeth. Bacteria from this dental plaque become trapped under the tartar, and so starts a cycle of infection and damage to the supporting tissues around the tooth. Without treatment, these bacteria can enter your dog’s bloodstream and affect organs like his heart, kidneys or liver.
Taking Care of Your Pet’s Teeth
These health issues can be prevented with regular dental cleanings and professional checkups but even between vet visits, there’s plenty you can do to help care for your pet’s dental hygiene! Oral hygiene is easy to overlook but it greatly affects your dog’s overall health. At Brookside Barkery and Bath we offer several dental care tools to support you in caring for your pet’s oral hygiene and to help make the process a bit more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Call today and schedule your grooming appointment! While you’re at it, ask about the dental care options for your pet! Let’s keep your pet smiling!
