There is No Tooth Fairy for Pets ~ This and Other #DentalPetFacts

About eighteen months ago, we decided our lone (and lonely) kitty needed a friend, so we adopted a beautiful little cat from a cat rescue program. This poor little kitty had endured horrendous abuse and was little more than skin and bones.  Although she was full-grown, the vet estimated her age to be about two years, she only weighed just a little over 3 pounds.

I am happy to tell you, she is now the most loving (and loved) pet on the planet! She has more than doubled her weight and now weighs over 6 pounds.

It’s a Cat’s Life ~ Our two kitties relaxing; Harper Leigh — named as a nod to the author, Harper Lee, is snoozing in the window (in an unladylike pose) and Kashmir is chilling on a tissue paper (her latest obsession) topped pillow.

Another shot of Harper Leigh having a little nap in the sun and fresh air.  Don’t worry, she has on a harness plus her mom is out there with her.  Awhhh…life is good for the kitties in the Parlee household!

I won’t get into all the details of her past, but Harper Leigh has nerve damage on the left side of her little face with resulting droopiness. She also had a broken canine (the big long tooth), I know, an odd name for a cat’s tooth, it should be called feline…lol, on the affected side of her mouth.

After we adopted her, we gave her a couple weeks to settle in and then took her to the vet for a physical exam. We wanted to know about her general physical health, and specifically, her dental health.

I am ashamed to say, although we have always taken our pets to the vet, I had never before specifically asked about their dental health.

I learned a lot about dental hygiene during that and subsequent appointments. The biggest being, pet owners should be taking their dog or cat to see their veterinarian regarding their pet’s oral hygiene.

Just like we know the importance of taking proper care of our own teeth.  We also need to know the whys and hows of taking care of our pet’s teeth.

We need to know the signs of dental disease and that dental diseases themselves — can be prevented. Our pets cannot tell us that they have an aching tooth or gum disease.  We need to be proactive and aware of the possible issues associated with poor or lack of dental care.

Did you know?

• Dental diseases are the most common clinical health problem in dogs and cats.
• Dental diseases are present in nearly 85 per cent of all pets past the age of one.
• Small dogs are especially prone to dental disease.

Pet owners don’t always recognize the signs of dental diseases. Pets may not show obvious signs of discomfort because these are gradual changes — and cats and dogs tend to hide their pain.

Signs of dental disease may include:

• Bad breath
• Lost or loose teeth
• Excessive drooling
• Weight loss
• Red, bleeding or swollen gums
• Trouble eating
• Root exposure
• Resistance to their mouth being handled
• Chewing on one side
• Sometimes you may not notice any signs at all

As part of their physical examination, veterinarians will perform a methodical orofacial examination that allows them to identify dental disease, even in its early stages.

Veterinarians will then prescribe a treatment option for the pet. The treatment may include:

• Brushing
• Dental cleaning
• A dental pet food diet

Our little kitty eventually had to have her tooth extracted. But, your pets don’t have to endure the pre- and post-operative pain associated with the need for this invasive procedure.

The most important thing you can do for your pet’s health is to schedule a vet visit and specifically ask about their dental health.

 In the meantime, I have included a great infographic on #DentalPetFacts and I also found the Royal Canine website to be an invaluable resource.

(Note – Select your pet, then click-through the different signs of dental disease, and you will receive a $10 rebate when you purchase Royal Canin Dental with your pet’s yearly exam.)*

If you have questions or want more information on #DentalPetFacts we would love to have you join our Twitter Party!

#DentalPetFacts Twitter Party

 

WHERE –  You can join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #DentalPetFacts

HOSTS – Be sure to follow the host and moderator:

• @RoyalCaninCA
• @oncom

RSVP –  You need to RSVP at, http://vite.io/dentalpetfacts, to be eligible for prizes.