Why You Should Brush Your Pet’s Teeth
Having to brush your own teeth every day can be an annoying chore no matter what – add on the chore of brushing your pet’s, and the task can be daunting. We’ve made it super easy for you to figure out all the basics of dental care for your furry friend, and all the risks that come with ignoring it.
The Risks
Periodontal disease is a disease that affects both cats and dogs, and can cause major issues in the long term for all pets. According to our friends at Bellingham Vet, by age three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some evidence of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is when plaque buildup from food hardens into tartar, aka gingivitis. Gingivitis, if left untreated, can progress to periodontal disease, which causes irreversible long term damage. Tartar can sit along the gum line and cause inflammation and infection. Periodontal disease can cause bad breath, tooth loss, bleeding, pain, and other problems. If left untreated, infection can move to other parts of the body through the bloodstream.
