As February is National Pet Dental Health Month, Portage Park is having dental specials through the end of the month. However, it is important to take care of your pet’s teeth year round, both with annual vet appointments and at-home oral care. One of the most common dental conditions that dogs and cats experience is periodontal disease, with the majority of pets having some form of this disease by the age of three. There are multiple stages of periodontal disease, so it is important to take preventative measures and see a vet for early detection.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
As with most conditions, the further the stage of disease development, the more treatment your pet will need. Stage 1 periodontal disease can be treated with daily brushing and a professional teeth clean by our veterinarian under anesthesia, while Stage 4 will require tooth extraction. Between the two, however, are many varying stages of development in periodontal disease. By Stage 2, your pet will need a professional clean ASAP if they want to preserve all of their teeth. Once your pet reaches Stage 3, bone loss will occur, which means loss of support for your pet’s teeth. Common treatments past Stage 2 include tooth extraction or other advanced treatment.
Symptoms
Though our veterinarians will be able to tell if your pet is showing signs of periodontal disease and what the treatment options are, it is important for you to know the symptoms. If you notice any of the following, schedule an appointment for our vets to perform a dental check-up:
- Bad breath
- Swollen gums
- Tartar build up
- Any open wounds on the face
- Decrease in appetite and activity
- Flinching if you try to look at their teeth
- And more
The best way to treat periodontal disease is to prevent it in the first place. With annual appointments at Portage Park, where we can provide dental care, and daily brushing, your pet will be privy to early detection or possibly avoid periodontal disease altogether. Contact Portage Park Animal Hospital and Dental Clinic to schedule a free dental consultation today!
Courtesy of: AVDC
