General Health Information

Unlike humans, dogs and cats face and other animals have much bigger
problems than just tooth decay. Almost all cases of tooth troubles in
four-legged friends are a combination of periodontal disease, an
inflammation or infection of the tissues surrounding the tooth, and
plaque or tartar buildup. Periodontal disease causes
the gums and other supportive tissues to recede and the infection to
spread to the tooth socket. The buildup of plaque helps the gums to
recede more quickly and speed up the infection. Most times, the tooth
will then fall out and your pet is left with an open sore in his or her
mouth. The most common symptoms of a dental problem pets experience is
bad breath and loss of appetite. Just as with humans with a toothache,
it may be too painful for your pet to chew hard food, so he stops
eating and may even start begging for soft foods and treats. Heredity
and environment also play a large role in dental health issues with
pets. We should stressed the importance of preventive care to keep our
pets healthy and happy. So consider brushing their teeth, feeding
mostly dry foods (including some newer foods with special ingredients
to prevent tartar and plaque buildup), using rope toys for dogs and
using pet dentifrices on a regular basis.