4 Major Signs Your Pet May Need Dental Care

Good oral health is just as important for dogs and cats as it is for you!

Your pets rely on their teeth to not only eat but also to interact with the whole world. A Dog and Cats use their teeth like we use our hands. Problems with teeth and gums don’t just cause your pet pain and discomfort, but also puts them at risk of developing life-threatening health issues.

You can help your dog or cat stay healthy by taking good care of their teeth and learning how to spot these common warning signs.​

1. Bad Breath

Okay, so we know pets don’t always have the best reputations for fresh breath. But if the odour isn't directly related to something they ate, it can sometimes indicate that bacteria and plaque have built up in their mouths. This puts their teeth at risk of decay.
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If their breath smells particularly foul (like rotten eggs), this could be a sign that they have gum disease, which needs professional cleaning.
 Infections caused by gum disease have been linked with diseases of the heart, liver and kidneys, so you should talk to your holistic pet health advisor if you notice any unusual odours.

This may also be known as Halitosis

 Halitosis, bad breath, doggy breath worse than normal. All dogs and cats have  slight if any odour to their breath. When the odour becomes unbearable or even noticeable it is an indication bacteria is building up on the teeth. This bacteria is eating away at your pet’s gum tissues and causing injury. This bacteria needs to be taken care of.
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2. Changes in eating habits

Is your dog or cat pawing, scratching or constantly licking parts of their mouth? This might be a sign of teething or it could signal a more serious issue like dental pain or an abscessed tooth. If they’ll let you, manually check their teeth and gums for anything that could be bothering them, such as bits of food or other things they might have been chewing.

You may notice that your pets mouth my seem sore. It will look red and irritated.

​ He or she may start tilting whilst chewing to avoid the immediate pain of the meal.

​Any sudden change in your pet's appetite is a cause for concern, particularly when they don’t want to eat their regular food. Along with wider health concerns, symptoms of gum disease (like infections or swollen gums) might cause a dog or cat to stop eating or chewing.
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3. Drooling and/or swollen, red and bleeding gums

These all can be signs of gingivitis and tooth infection. When the gums are in a constant state of inflammation, like in moderate to severe gingivitis, oral cavity bacteria can easily move into the bloodstream. This can cause a variety of negative effects elsewhere in the body and can lead to heart disease.

​Inflamed and bleeding gums can be signs that your pet has gum disease or another infection, which may cause toothaches or discomfort in their jaws. Your vet can diagnose the cause of the problem and recommend a treatment, which may involve cleaning and scaling their teeth to remove plaque and bacteria. Sometimes animals will need to have a tooth or teeth pulled.​

4. Excessive Drooling

For some dog owners, drool is just a (messy) part of life! Most dogs drool and some breeds drool a little extra.

But if your dog suddenly starts drooling more than usual, you should take note.

This might mean they have a health problem that’s either causing them to produce more saliva or is preventing them from swallowing their saliva like they normally would.
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This could indicate a variety of dental problems, including gum disease, loose teeth or a dental abscess caused by bacteria or injury. If your vet finds an abscess, they’ll usually recommend pulling the tooth and/ or prescribing a course of antibiotics to remove the infection.

​😇 It’s Dental Month at Just About Pets!! Sedation-FREE dentals done here! 🦷Does your pup need a brush? Have you checked his or her gums lately? Come in for a clean! Just like us humans, it’s best to keep up with your pets dental health! Learn more - Call us 1+604-850-1787 to book yours! Hurry while spots fill!
What is usually $189.99 is now $129.99/Dental 🐾

In store we have plenty of options for caring for your pets mouth!!
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Here at JAP we have our very own line of Homeopathic products, promoting a natural and affordable way to keep up with your pets oral hygiene at home!

Along with plenty of dental chews and treats, bones, antlers and more!!