- Just like humans, dogs and cats have a full set of baby teeth that are replaced with adult teeth! Sometimes these baby teeth don’t fall out and are extracted during their spay or neuter.
- Dogs have 42 permanent adult teeth; cats have 30.
- Periodontal disease (disease of the teeth/gums) is the most common disease seen in adult dogs and cats.
- IF you provide your pet with good dental hygiene you can add 2-4 years to its life!
- Periodontal disease causes inflammation and infection that can damage other organs including the heart, liver, and kidneys.
- Cats and small breed dogs have teeth that are often too large for their mouths causing them to have more dental disease then larger dogs.
- The most common sign of periodontal disease is bad breath, or halitosis (aka dog breath), and dropping food from their mouth
- Most pets will not stop eating even when severe periodontal disease is present, so that isn’t a reliable sign.
- Sneezing, swelling of the nose and/or nasal discharge could be a sign of a tooth infection and should be looked at by a veterinarian.
- Proper dental cleaning requires general anesthesia in pets.
- Approximately 80% of dogs and cats will have some form of dental disease by age three.
Come by anytime for a complimentary dental toothbrush or finger brush for your furry friend!