That’s my Kallie up there! She’s been part of our family for over ten years now. Kallie is a keeshond, a breed related to Samoyeds and Pomeranians. Go check the link – there’s even a super cute picture of Kallie as a 9-week-old puppy at the bottom of that dog breed page I linked! Even though she’s a senior dog now, she still acts like a puppy most of the time. I love her goofy smile, and I want to keep Kallie and that smile healthy for a long, long time.
A recent survey by Ipsos Reid revealed that 88% of us know that healthy teeth are linked to our animal friends’ overall good health. We love our pets and of course we want only the best for them, but 25% don’t know what dental disease looks like, which means many pets may be suffering in silence. Do you know what to look for?
Dental disease is the most common clinical health problem for Canadian dogs and cats. By age one, almost 85% of all pets have some form of periodontal disease caused by dental plaque which forms calculus (tartar) over time. Small dogs are particularly vulnerable. It starts with gingivitis (red gums), but over time the infection can go down the root and affect the bone and attachments of the teeth. Symptoms include inflamed gums, bad breath, poor appetite, excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth and even tooth loss.
The good news is that dental disease is preventable! The most important thing you can do for your dog or cat’s oral health is to take them to the vet regularly. Your vet will do a thorough oral and health exam and provide you with a treatment plan for keeping your pet healthy. Treatment options can include regular brushing, dental cleaning, or a dental pet food diet.
Our strategy is to incorporate Kallie’s dental care into our regular routine to help stay on top of things. My four-year-old thinks it’s fun to brush the dog’s teeth, so that’s one way we encourage her to start on her own bedtime routine. “Let’s go upstairs and brush Kallie’s teeth, and then it will be time to brush yours!” We schedule Kallie’s dental cleaning with the vet at the same time as she gets her vaccinations. Because remember, there’s no tooth fairy for pets!
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Enter for your chance to win a $100 Visa Gift Card and dental heatlh prize pack including a Royal Canin tote, 12 oz Feline Dental bag, 1 package Medi-chews, Pet Dental kit, and first aid kit. Contest open from 12:00:01 a.m. EST February 16, 2015 to 11:59:59 p.m. EST February 28, 2014. No purchase necessary. Must be legal resident of Canada who has reached age of majority in their province of residence. Entries must contain hashtag “#DentalPetFactsContest”. Selected entrant must correctly answer skill-testing question. Prize: $100.00 (CDN) Visa Gift Card and Royal Canin Prize Pack. Void where prohibited.
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Disclosure: I am participating in the Royal Canin #DentalPetFacts campaign and receive compensation as part of my involvement. All opinions expressed are completely honest and my own. Your experience may differ.
I learned to pay attention to bad breath in dogs…it could be dental disease!
I didn’t realize that “Your dog may have hidden pain” which may be correlated to dental issues.
The bacteria can built up and cause halitosis (bad breath)
I was most surprised by the fact that my cat’s stinky breath wasn’t just cat breath, it could be a sign of dental disease!
I learned that bad breath in my cat could mean there is a dental problem. Good to know! Although I am not sure my cat’s breath ever smells “good”… 😉 But at least I know not to ignore it if it is bad!
I learned that cats may have hidden pain and hide it from you
I learned a build-up of bacteria associated with dental disease can result in bad breath
that cat bad breathe is a bad sign, it could be dental disease
I did not know that it can lead to heart or kidney disease.