Pet Dental Health Month Underlines Importance of Oral Care for Chattanooga Pets

Dr. Cassie Atkinson from Highway 58 Animal Hospital stated, "Oral health is more than just about preventing bad breath." She noted that by age three, most dogs and cats show some degree of dental disease. Tartar can start accumulating on teeth within hours after eating, and when hardened, it can lead to plaque, gingivitis, infections, bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss.

While bad breath is the most common issue reported by pet owners, Atkinson mentioned other symptoms to watch for, such as excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, chewing on one side, or food dropping from the mouth. In severe cases, swelling may occur around the cheekbones due to tooth root disease.

Factors such as genetics and the structure of the mouth can influence the speed at which dental problems arise. To mitigate these issues, Atkinson recommends starting a brushing routine early, even with puppies. Although they lose their baby teeth around six months, early practice can set the foundation for lifelong dental care.

For pets that resist traditional brushing, alternatives like dental wipes or finger brushes are recommended. Atkinson also suggests choosing products endorsed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council for treats and supplements.

Despite home care efforts, she emphasizes the significance of annual dental cleanings. "We’re not going to expect you to brush your animal’s teeth twice a day like we would with ours," Atkinson explained. "So we still recommend annual dental cleanings to facilitate that thing that we can’t do all the time at home."

Highway 58 Animal Hospital is hosting an open house this Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m., featuring behind-the-scenes tours, a teddy bear clinic for children, dental discounts for attendees, and a raffle for a free dental cleaning.