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Dirty Pet Mouth?

MYTH: Pets mouths are different and humans and as a result do not need dental care.

FACT:  By the age of 3 years, 80% of dogs/70% of cats show signs of oral disease. Without routine dental care beginning as a puppy/kitten, bacteria and tartar buildup can cause periodontal disease and tooth loss within 3 years or less.

MYTH: Large breed dogs have a higher rate of oral disease than smaller dogs.

FACT: Small mouths have a much higher rate of oral disease. Due the “crowded” space of a smaller dog’s mouth, food is more easily trapped which promotes bacterial growth and periodontal disease. 

MYTH: Even when a pet has bad teeth, it doesn't hurt them because they are tougher than people.

FACT: Poor dental health can lead to heart, liver and kidney damage. The inflammation and infection associated with periodontal disease may damage other organs.

MYTH: If a pet's teeth start to decay, they can just fall out on their own.

FACT: A pet without proper dental care can require multiple tooth extractions. Without proper preventive or therapeutic care, plaque and tartar buildup leads to periodontal disease, which affects the tissues and structures supporting the teeth. Left untreated, periodontal disease can cause oral pain, dysfunction, tooth loss and systemic complications.

MYTH: Even if you brush your pet's teeth it won't help because they like to eat garbage.

FACT: Periodontal disease can be easily managed and or eliminated with routine dental health exams and cleaning. Pet owners should practice a regular dental care regimen at home, which may include brushing the pet’s teeth with specially formulated toothpaste. It’s best to start early, but grown dogs and cats can learn to tolerate brushing. Toothpaste for humans is not recommended because it may upset the pet’s stomach. 

MYTH: Pet dental care and cleaning is too expensive to be able to afford.

FACT: February discounts help make your pet's dental care affordable!

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Family Cats and Pregnant Women: Take Measures to Prevent Toxoplasmosis Infection

Dr. Snow recognizes toxoplasmosis is a disease that can be transmitted from cats to humans by ingestion of undercooked meat products or contact with the stool of a contaminated cat and suggests pr ...

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Six Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool

Many areas of the world are seeing record high temperatures, which makes it even more important to ensure that your pets are kept cool when it starts getting hot outside. While our Eaton Rapids v ...

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Fitting Fiber into Fido's Food Bowl

Fiber is important because it helps dogs feel full, supports natural, healthy digestion and aids in moving material through their digestive tract. Is there fiber in your pet's food bowl with each ...

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Multiple Pets Benefit Families

Just like humans, furry family members need to have company, playmates and social interactions to be happy. Sometimes it is hard to remember that our pets are animals first and family second. Th ...

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Fatal Rabies Disease is Preventable

Pets need to be vaccinated to prevent against rabies. Rabies is a fatal viral zoonosis and Snow believe that all mammals are susceptible to it. This disease puts the public at risk and preventio ...

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Captive Reptiles May Have Nutritional Deficiency

Pet owners keeping reptiles in captivity as household pets sometimes find that their pet may have a nutritional deficiency. Metabolic bone disease is "the most common nutritional deficiency affec ...

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