If you’re like most people, you think of your pet as a member of the family, and you care about keeping them healthy and happy. Like you and your family, proper dental care and professional pet dentistry services are an essential element of the health and wellbeing of your pet. One of the most common health problems in both dogs and cats is periodontal disease. In fact, most pets will show signs of this disease by the age of three.

Early detection in tandem with effective treatment is important to prevent more serious issues from developing. It can cause broken, missing, and painful gums and teeth that cause discomfort and poor eating habits. Left untreated, periodontal disease can eventually lead to damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. It’s important that your pet receives a dental checkup and cleaning from your veterinarian at least once a year.

The Alpenglow Animal Hospital of Bozeman, MT can provide you with comprehensive pet dentistry services at an affordable cost. 

Good Pet Dentistry Starts At Home

There are several things you can do at home to spot problems early and keep your pet’s teeth healthy and clean. Do a  weekly examination of your pet’s teeth, looking for loose, discolored, broken, or missing teeth, bleeding or swelling of the gums or jaw, really bad breath, and excessive buildup of tartar. Keep an eye out for refusal to eat or unusual chewing movements. Take your pet to the vet for a checkup if you see any of these things. Get into the habit of brushing your pet’s teeth regularly. It takes a little patience to get them accustomed to it, but eventually, they won’t mind. Pet dental chews and treats that prevent plaque and tartar buildup are available. There are also special diets designed to promote dental health in pets. Ask your veterinarian for advice on practicing good pet dentistry at home.