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6 signs your pet has dental issues
Pets use body language and other cues to let their owners know how they are feeling . While certain actions , such as a vigorously wagging tail signaling that a dog is quite happy , are easy to read , it ’ s not always so easy to determine how a pet is feeling .
Pet parents who are trying to provide the best care possible recognize that pets may make them aware of certain health issues .
Photo by Colin Sabatier on Unsplash
Diseases of the mouth may cause issues elsewhere in the body if left untreated . Fortunately for pet owners , dental issues are often easily recognized .
1 . Halitosis
Bad breath is a strong indicator of a dental problem . Halitosis may stem from tooth decay and gum issues , as well as gastrointestinal problems . In either case , it ’ s best to address a pet ’ s bad breath with a veterinarian .
2 . Visible problems
Take a peek inside of the pet ’ s mouth . Animal Wellness magazine says that if there ’ s a significant accumulation of tartar ( yellow or brown patches on the tops of teeth along the gum line ), or if the gums are inflamed and red , periodontal disease may be to blame . Traces of blood in the mouth also can indicate that there is a problem . Pets don ’ t always like their mouths touched , so if your pet is being difficult , have a vet conduct a comprehensive oral health and treatment appointment ( COHAT ).
3 . Refusing to eat
There are many reasons a pet may not want to eat , and a dental problem may be one of them . Painful teeth and gums can make eating challenging , so the animal may avoid food . Refusing to eat can lead to weight loss and malnutrition , so it ’ s best to nip this issue in the bud .
4 . Sensitive mouth
Your pet may yelp , bite or scratch if you touch around the mouth area when there is a dental problem at play . Drooling excessively or dropping food from the mouth also are signs that things are awry .
5 . Less grooming
Cats spend around 10 to 15 percent of their days grooming . Dental pain can make grooming challenging . Therefore , if your cat is grooming less or looks unkempt , it may be due to dental problems . Great Vet says 85 percent of cats over the age of three have some form of dental disease .
6 . Overgrowth
Rodents ’ incisors ( front , gnawing teeth ) grow continuously throughout their lives . Typically the incisors receive continuous wear as the upper and lower incisors contact each other . However , if incisors are misaligned , they may not wear down effectively . Some incisors can grow out of control , piercing the roof of the mouth and into the nasal cavity . If a rodent ’ s teeth look long , that could warrant a vet check .
Pets can experience periodontal disease and other dental conditions . Staying aware of signs of dental issues can keep pets healthy . n
48 Spring 2023 | Thomasville Scene