Why is dental care so important especially in small children (dogs and cats)? (Hopefully the cannot read! If your pet does, do not let them see this article.)
All pets get dental disease, and it is the number one health problem facing all pets, but especially small dogs and cats. It has been estimated that more than 70% of all those patients have significant dental disease by the age of 2-4 years, depending on the breed. Pets are very resistant to cavities, but get gingivitis (inflammation of the gum tissue around the teeth) and periodontitis (when the gum dies back and loses the boney support for the tooth). To ensure longevity among other things, dental care is a must.
Our pets do not complain at all, but silently suffer with these problems. We know that it hurts because it hurts in us, so stink breath equals pain most of the time. When we correct these problems, most owners call us back and report their pet feels so much better in a week or so.
I have been practicing dental care of pets for almost 40 years. When owners allow me to take care of this problem, their pets live much longer. Quality of life is also improved and they live longer. My own little poodles have reached 20 to 21 years with good dental care.
Cats get much more painful lesions than dogs, and dental radiology is imperative to find all the lesions in a pet’s mouth. It is estimated that over 40% of lesions are missed without dental radiographs.
So, Charlie and his doctor know how important good dental care really is. Charlie wants to be spoiled by his owners for a long time.
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