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Brushing your pet’s teeth can be a challenge. Your cat or dog doesn’t know why their dental health is important, so it’s your responsibility to keep up with their oral hygiene. But how important is it to brush their teeth every day? An expert veterinarian from Carolina Veterinary Hospital in Sanford, NC, discusses why pet owners need to clean their animals’ teeth below.

3 Reasons to Brush Your Pet's Teeth

Gets Them Used to Checkups

Daily cleanings are a good way to not only protect your pet’s dental health, but to also prepare them for thorough oral checkups and cleanings from the veterinarian. There’s a good chance your dog or cat will not easily accept a brushing, especially from a stranger. Don’t be intimidated by the difficulty of the task. Start off slow to get them accustomed to the feeling of their mouths being handled, and throw in plenty of praise and comfort. Your visits to the animal clinic will be much easier when dental hygiene becomes a habit.

Prevents Serious Diseases Later in Lifeveterinarian

Some owners doubt the necessity of dental care for animals, and though pets aren’t as susceptible to cavities as humans tend to be, they’re still vulnerable to many of the same issues. For example, periodontal disease is very common in animals, and without proper care, your furry friend may begin to show early signs by the time they are 18 months old. Development of this disease is painful and can even lead to infections that cause problems for the heart, liver, and kidneys. Brushing as often as possible is the best way to prevent this from happening.

Keeps Them From Losing Teeth

Just like humans, cats and dogs can lose their teeth due to a lack of oral hygiene. Unfortunately, it may be hard to tell until it’s too late. Pets don’t often show their dental discomfort, so pay attention to bad breath, bleeding, reduced appetite, and swelling, which could all be signs of oral health issues. Losing teeth is extremely painful and makes it harder for animals to eat, so it’s crucial to detect problems early and start preventative care as quickly as possible. 

At Carolina Veterinary Hospital, your pet’s comfort and well-being are of the utmost importance. This animal hospital houses state-of-the-art medical equipment for the best dental care possible. Their veterinarians will handle everything from annual checkups to minor dental surgeries, so you can be sure your furry friend’s oral health is in good hands. To schedule an appointment, give them a call at (919) 258-3349, and visit their website for more information on what they do.

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