{"id":26,"date":"2016-01-09T16:15:58","date_gmt":"2016-01-09T21:15:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.truecareveterinaryhospital.com\/blog\/?p=26"},"modified":"2020-09-09T15:37:02","modified_gmt":"2020-09-09T19:37:02","slug":"pet-dental-care-more-than-fresh-breath-and-a-pretty-smile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.truecareveterinaryhospital.com\/blog\/pet-dental-care-more-than-fresh-breath-and-a-pretty-smile\/","title":{"rendered":"Pet Dental Care: More Than Fresh Breath and a Pretty Smile"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"iStock_000081523419_Large\"<\/span>One of the most neglected areas of pet care is dental hygiene. This includes providing a high-quality, nutritious food, brushing your pet\u2019s teeth, and scheduling dental check-ups or wellness exams each year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, neglecting <\/span>pet dental care<\/span><\/a> can become a painful problem down the road, and long-term neglect and poor dental health can even shorten a pet\u2019s life.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Problem With Poor Oral Health<\/b><\/h3>\n

Although most of us prefer our pets have pleasant breath, lack of dental care can lead to far more serious problems.<\/span><\/p>\n

First of all, periodontal disease is very common among pets, and sadly, most cats and dogs over the age of 3 struggle with it. Like us, plaque and tartar will develop over time without consistent brushing and professional cleanings. This build-up deteriorates the enamel and leads to decay.<\/span><\/p>\n

Left untreated, dental disease can eventually result in tooth loss, abscesses, and infections. Over time, these infections can take their toll on the major organs of the body, including the kidneys, liver, and heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

Addressing Pet Dental Care<\/b><\/h3>\n

So what exactly is pet dental care? For some, it means switching to kibble or throwing the occasional chew bone. However, these tactics do not actually address the dental care needs of your four-legged friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

While there are some toys and safe ingestible chews that can help prevent plaque and tartar build-up, dental products alone will not keep your pet\u2019s teeth healthy. In fact, some of these dental chews can cause tooth fractures and weight gain. If you choose to purchase these dental chews, we recommend looking for products approved by the <\/span>Veterinary Oral Health Council<\/span><\/a> (VOHC). <\/span><\/p>\n

Key elements of good dental hygiene include:<\/span><\/p>\n