BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Our pets are used to routine. Dinner time, nap time and play time, but what about teeth time? One vet says pet owners often overlook their pet's dental health.
"It's a really really common problem in our pets," said Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, Lead Veterinarian at Merrick Pet Care in Colorado.
February is Pet Oral Health Month. 70-80% of cats and dogs over the age of three have some form of dental disease, according to Dr. Lobos. This can of course be dangerous for your four-legged friend, but could also be life threatening.
"If there’s an infection in the tooth and it spreads, that bacteria can get into their bloodstream and make them sick in other parts of their body," said Dr. Lobos.
Some breeds are more likely than others to run into problems:
- Dogs with smushed faces
- French Bulldogs
- Boston Terriers
- Boxers
- Persian Cats
- Smaller dogs
- Yorkie's
- Chihuahuas
- Dachshunds
PET PARENTS:
— Taylor Epps WKBW (@taylor_epps_) February 10, 2021
Do you brush your pet’s teeth? I spoke with a vet who says 70-80% of adult pets have dental disease.
Tune into @WKBW this morning for tips to prevent dental disease and to see this cute little face🥺🐶🐱 pic.twitter.com/8C3gso7hDr
Dr. Lobos gave 4 tips on how to prevent dental disease:
- Brush your pet's teeth with pet safe toothpaste daily, just like we do
- Give your pet dental treats
- Check your pet's mouth early and often, look out for
- Bad breath
- Only chewing on one side
- Excessive sneezing
- Drooling
- Ask your vet if everything's okay during routine visits
“Those are common thing to look for, certainly if the dog or cat stops eating, that is a big red flag that they need to go to the veterinarian," said Dr. Lobos
