You may think poor oral health only affects the smell of your dog’s breath, but there’s more to it than that. Did you know that rotten teeth and periodontal disease can shorten your dog’s life? Prevent health issues with routine veterinary dentistry care.
1. Bad Teeth Can Damage Your Dog’s Heart
Dogs with poor dental hygiene have an increased risk of heart disease, up to six times greater than dogs with healthy teeth. Germs on the teeth and gums can travel through the bloodstream to your dog’s heart. These bacteria then adhere to valves and inner heart lining causing inflammation, or endocarditis.
2. Bad Teeth Can Cause Your Dog Pain
Poor dental health can result in decayed, loose, and abscessed teeth. These infections are extremely uncomfortable for your dog. Pets in this condition may paw excessively at their face or even stop eating due to pain. Veterinary dentistry procedures can repair the gums and extract rotting teeth to help dogs feel like themselves again. And yes, dogs can still eat with very few teeth!
3. Bad Teeth Can Harm Your Dog’s Organs
Not only can oral bacteria lead to heart disease, but it can affect other internal organs. Blood-borne infections can damage your dog’s kidneys, liver, brain, and pancreas. If your dog happens to be diabetic, dental disease can negatively affect blood-sugar regulation. This consequence can make diabetic management very challenging.
Do You Want to Add Years to Your Dog’s Life?
Routine dental care will improve your dog’s health and extend their happy life with you. We want you to spend as many years with your furry companion as possible.
We understand that pet owners want the very best for their companions. That’s why at Petroglyph Animal Hospital, we offer the most comprehensive veterinary dentistry care in Albuquerque. Contact us today to make an appointment!