The arrival of February brings with it Pet Dental Health month and a reminder to contact the veterinarian in Bend for a dental appointment. Pets need their teeth taken care of on a regular basis to keep them comfortable, eating well and maintaining their weight. Cats and dogs alike are prone to issues such as tooth loss, tartar and plaque build-up, and gum disease. Mark the month of February in your calendar to remind yourself to call the dog vet in Bend and bring in your pets for a pet dental. Getting ahead of or keeping on top of pet dental issues is a great way to keep your pet healthy and happy.

Common Dental Issues in Dogs and Cats

Cats and dogs are prone to dental issues that people experience. Unlike people, pets can’t brush their own teeth outside of trying to remove an irritation. Some of the more common dental issues your pet can experience include:

• Tartar
• Plaque
• Periodontal disease
• Gingivitis
• Tooth resorption
• Tooth loss
• Stomatitis

Your pet can have multiple dental issues at the same time as some conditions are linked to one another. Regular dental treatment from the dog vet in Bend prevents these conditions from becoming a problem.

The Benefits of Dental Treatment for Your Pet

Your pet’s teeth are vital to their well-being. When a pet’s mouth hurts, they can’t do much about the pain except to alter their behavior to get around the pain. They may eat less, lose teeth, have bad breath, and drool. Bringing your pet to the veterinarian in Bend for a dental treatment on an annual basis helps to prevent these issues. The pet dental slows down or stops the progression of dental diseases and preserves your pet’s teeth. The direct result of a pet dental is the fact that your pet is less likely to experience the consequences of dental diseases. The end result is a pet that’s happy, healthy, and comfortable.

What Happens During a Pet Dental Appointment

During a pet dental, the veterinarian in Bend will put your pet under sedation in order to safely perform the dental examination and cleaning. The vet then performs a visual and manual inspection to look for existing issues, determine if a condition is taking hold, and for any problems that need immediate attention. After completing the inspection, the vet begins treatment to maintain and clean your pet’s mouth to keep them comfortable while they go about their daily lives.

Maintaining Your Pet’s Teeth Throughout the Year

You can improve your pet’s outcome at their annual dental visit with the dog vet in Bend by taking care of their teeth. Dental treats help with maintenance, although you don’t want to rely on them for proper cleaning. If your pet is cooperative, you can use a fingertip toothbrush or tooth wipe and gently massage their gums and brush teeth daily if possible. Last, but not least, pay attention to how your pet’s breath smells. Smells that are out of the ordinary and persist can be a sign of infection that requires treatment by the veterinarian in Bend.