Why Is Dental Hygiene Important for Pets?

You may need to realize how important dental hygiene is for pets. Keeping your pet's teeth and gums healthy can positively impact its well-being. At Eglinton Dufferin Animal Clinic in York, Ontario, our veterinarian offers dental care services. Our veterinary clinic provides these and other pet care services for patients in the Toronto and York areas, including Midtown and North York. The following information can help you understand why dental hygiene is essential for your pet’s health and well-being.

Reduced Risk of Tooth Decay

Pets can develop tooth decay as plaque builds up. Eating dry food isn’t enough to scrape off layers of plaque. Chewing on dental treats might help slightly, but dental cleaning eliminates plaque and lowers the risk of tooth decay. If decay is severe enough, your pets might need to have the affected teeth removed. Tooth decay can cause infections, putting your pets at risk of serious complications.

Lower Risk of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a common problem in pets. This disease occurs when bacteria invade the gums and cause inflammation and infection. When this isn’t treated, our pets can end up with loose teeth that eventually fall out. Periodontal disease can also affect the kidneys and other parts of the body, especially if bacteria can get into the bloodstream. Routine cleanings help remove bacteria that cause gum disease in pets.

Protection from Other Health Problems

Poor dental hygiene can raise the risk of other health problems in pets, such as heart disease and kidney problems. When you brush your pets’ teeth and have professional dental cleanings done, you’re lowering your pets’ risks of developing potentially serious health complications. This reduced risk can improve your pets’ health and well-being.

Routine Dental Care for Pets

Pets should have regular dental cleanings to remove plaque buildup on teeth and gums. These routine visits can allow our veterinarian to check for gum disease and other medical problems to treat early. Catching these problems helps protect our pets from serious complications. We can provide additional information on dental care for your pets to help them maintain good dental hygiene.

Schedule Veterinary Dental Care with Us

If your pets need dental care, such as routine cleanings, contact Eglinton Dufferin Animal Clinic for an appointment with our veterinarian. Our veterinary clinic serves patients in and around York and Toronto, Ontario, including North York and Midtown York. Our pet care services help ensure your pets have clean and healthy teeth. Call our office at (647) 352-2201 to schedule an appointment.