SNYDERS — Dog breath should not be something a pet owner turns his or her head from.
“People don’t realize bad breath is not normal,” Dr. Stephanie Goldstein of Blue Mountain Animal Clinic said Thursday.
This month is pet dental month and veterinarians are stressing the importance of taking care of man’s best friend’s teeth.
“I think it’s just something that kind of sneaks up on people,” she said.
She said 80 to 85 percent of cats or dogs have some type of periodontal disease by the time they are 3 years old. Owners might think the foul-smelling breath is normal.
“If you notice any smells or anything, it’s really important to be checked out,” she said.
Often owners will notice a rotten egg smell caused by bacteria. Besides having better-smelling breath, keeping a pet’s teeth clean is important because it affects their overall health.
“Bacteria gets into the bloodstream and can cause major problems,” Goldstein said.
The American Veterinary Dental College said pet’s teeth should be checked by a veterinarian each year. Signs such as bad breath, difficulty eating and mouth pain may indicate the need for medical attention.
“We need to be aware of their teeth and look in their mouths,” Goldstein said.
Gingivitis, when the gums are inflamed, is reversible, she said. Taking care of a pet’s mouth daily can go a long way in helping them stay healthy. Brushing a dog’s teeth is the best way to help prevent the build up of tartar.
“It’s really important when they are puppies,” Goldstein said.
Starting early in a pet’s life can help the animal become more comfortable with having its teeth brushed.
However, pet owners should not just put toothpaste on a toothbrush and expect the process to go well the first time. One must ease into the act, Goldstein said.
“Ideally, you want to brush your dog’s teeth twice a day,” she said.
Using dog toothpaste is one way to keep canine teeth clean. Owners should use specially formulated pet toothpaste to avoid additives like fluoride present in regular toothpaste.
Advice on getting a pet comfortable with teeth brushing includes starting out by putting toothpaste on one’s finger and letting the pet lick the toothpaste. The next step is to apply the toothpaste to the pet’s gums and gradually move on to using a toothbrush.
Options for pets not comfortable with brushing include dental chews or additives in the pet’s water.
Peyton, Goldstein’s 3-year-old Doberman, had teeth that looked pretty white. He did have some gingivitis, though. Goldstein said she practices good dental hygiene for him.
Cats can also have dental issues.
“I think people forget about cats,” Goldstein said.
A cat recently had dental work done and had a “significant amount of tartar on one side of its mouth,” she said.
Some dogs and cats might need more frequent teeth cleaning than others.
“Some dogs will have to get their teeth cleaned every year,” she said.
Pets are put under anesthesia for dental cleaning. Often blood work is run to see if the pet is healthy enough for the procedure. Costs vary and include factors such as the weight of the animal.
She said it can be difficult with busy schedules to remember that a pet’s dental hygiene is just as important as that of the owner.