DENTAL PROBLEMS IN PETS

Until recently, dental problems in cats and dogs were a neglected aspect of home pet care. These problems include the build up of tartar or scale on the teeth, gum inflammation or gingivitis, and serious periodontal disease and tooth-root abscesses. Not only do affected pets develop nauseating halitosis and find it painful to eat, the inflammation in their mouths can result in the spread of bacteria in their blood streams to internal organs, along with inflammatory substances. These can damage the heart, (causing heart attacks in humans with severe peridontitis), the kidneys, pancreas, and other internal organs.

 Inflammatory substances called cytokines are also produced from body fat in overweight and obese animals, just as in humans. Obesity and dental problems are associated with highly processed ‘junk’ pet foods and can lead to heart, kidney, liver,  and joint inflammation, pancreatic disease and associated digestive problems, Type 11 diabetes, and other health problems, including increased susceptibility to infections and allergies because the animals’ immune systems are impaired.

So it is critically important, especially for older pets and toy breeds, to feed a wholesome diet, provide safe chew-toys, and get them used to regular tooth cleaning. Wrap a moist gauze bandage around your index finger and get your pet used to having teeth and gums rubbed. Then add commercial pet toothpaste, or a mixture of equal parts sea salt and baking soda. You may wish to explore with your vet adding a few drops of propolis, myrrh, and a drop of thyme. A few drops of cod liver oil in the pet’s food every day will help reduce any gum inflammation.