our advice: ASK DR. CATE
Vet Rap by
Dr. Ryan Cate
Taking a ‘Bite’ out
of Doggie Breath
Did you know that “doggie breath” isn’t one of
your pooch’s inherent traits? It’s actually a sign
of a problem—dental disease.
Most of us don’t think about our pet’s teeth,
but the truth is that dental disease is as common
in dogs and cats as it is in humans. This disease
is a frequent source of pain and often leads to
poor general health, including liver, kidney and
heart disorders.
While cavities make up the major-
ity of dental problems in humans, pets most
commonly suffer from plaque buildup. This
buildup often causes inflammation of the gums
around the base of the teeth (gingivitis), which
is a continuous source of discomfort and pain.
If untreated, this will ultimately lead to peri-
odontal disease with infection, bone loss, and
tooth loss.
What are the signs of dental disease?
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Inability to chew hard food
• Excessive drooling (with or without blood)
• Pawing at or rubbing the muzzle or mouth
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
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How can I prevent dental disease in my pet?
• Brush his/her teeth: Brushing your pet’s teeth
is the best way to remove plaque before it turns
into tartar.
• Feed a special diet: Some prescription diets
have been shown to greatly reduce tartar build-
up. These diets are made up of dry kibble too
large to be swallowed whole. While chewing the
kibble, special fibers literally scrape the plaque
off the teeth without damaging the enamel.
• Use mouthwash: This product is added to your
pet’s drinking water and reduces the bacterial
count in the mouth, resulting in improved breath.
• See your vet regularly: Annual and bi-annual
check-ups allow your veterinarian to catch poten-
tial problems early on.
• Schedule a professional cleaning: Depending
on the severity of the dental disease, some pets
may require an anesthetized cleaning below
the gum line. Oral surgery may also be needed
to scale deep below the gum line or to remove
affected teeth.
Dental Quarter
February falls right in the middle of what we call
“Dental Quarter.” It’s a specific time of the year
that we offer a discount on routine dental clean-
ings to help promote oral health in pets. If your
pet has any of the above symptoms or you’ve
been told your pet needs a dental cleaning, call
us today to schedule your pet’s discounted dental
cleaning!