Monthly Archives: June 2018

Dental Dangers: What Happens When You Don’t Care For Your Pet’s Teeth?

Preventative dental care at the veterinarian office can help you save money by reducing the risk of some serious health issues. Read more about how on our AZPAWS.org blog

 

When it comes to pet healthcare, it’s important to spay and neuter your pets. But it’s just as important that your pets receive regular dental care.

By keeping up with cat and dog dental care both at home and at the vet clinic, you can help your furry friends live a longer, healthier, and happier life. What’s more, preventative dental care at the veterinarian office can also help you save money by reducing the risk of some serious health issues.

 

Dental Dangers: What Happens When You Don’t Care For Your Pet’s Teeth?

You’ve most likely heard about the dangers of periodontal disease in humans. As it turns out, periodontal disease is even more common in dogs and cats. By the age of three, up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats will develop periodontal disease.

 

Periodontal disease can contribute to liver disease, heart disease, and kidney disease in your pets because the bacteria from your pet’s teeth can infect your pet’s blood. Periodontal disease starts when tartar is formed above and below the gum line.

 

Some of the most common signs of potential dental issues with your pet include:

Discolored teeth

Extra teeth

Bad breath

Broken teeth

Loose teeth

Swelling around the mouth

Pain around or in the mouth (your pet may refuse to eat)

Blood around the mouth

Abnormal chewing or drooling

Changes in eating behavior

 

How Do I Treat My Pet’s Gum Disease?

It’s important to consult with your veterinarian if you notice problems with your pet’s dental care. Your vet will perform a dental cleaning and conduct x-rays to learn how severe the damage is. Your vet will then talk to you about your pet’s dental care options.

 

The earlier your pet’s dental care is taken care of the better. Only your vet can treat the tartar below your pet’s gum line, but you can reach up to 90% of your pet’s teeth just by brushing at home.

 

You’ll want to make sure you’re brushing your pet’s teeth regularly. Between two to three times a week can help to reduce your pet’s risk of periodontal disease.

 

It’s important to spay and neuter your pet, but it’s also critical to keep their teeth as healthy as possible. For more information about Pheonix dog dental care or the importance of spaying or neutering your pet, contact AZPaws today.

Is This Toxic? A Guide On What Not To Feed Your Dog

To protect your dog from toxic scraps, here are some human foods that are safe and some that are not-so-safe for your dog to eat.

Dogs are a big part of the American family. Unfortunately, this often means that dogs are being fed as if they were human. Dogs and humans don’t metabolize their food in the same way. In fact, food that may be safe for you to eat can be toxic to your pet.

To protect your dog from toxic scraps, here are some human foods that are safe and some that are not-so-safe for your dog to eat.

Feed Fido This, Not That: What’s Safe For Your Dog
Certain foods are perfectly safe for your dog to eat. In fact, many human foods like peanut butter can be used as a treat for your dog when given in moderation.

Here are some of the foods that are safe for your dog to consume:
Carrots (in bite-size pieces)
Peanut butter (in moderation)
Cooked eggs
Cooked, boneless salmon
Cheese (in moderation)
Blueberries
Seedless watermelon (without the rind)
Blackberries
Fresh or frozen peas (not canned)

 

Toxic Treats To Avoid: What Not To Feed Your Dog
Although some human foods are safe to give your dog when they’re unsalted, unseeded, and unseasoned, some foods are toxic. Foods like grapes can cause kidney failure and other unfortunate health problems that can be avoided.

To help keep your dog safe, here are some foods to avoid giving to your dog and to keep your dog away from:

Chocolate (all kinds)
Grapes/Raisins
Macadamia nuts
Onions
Avocado
Coffee
Tea (all kinds)
Garlic
Alcohol
Nutmeg
Lemons/Limes

Before you feed your dog anything, it’s important to first make sure that it’s safe for them to consume and in what way. Even if a dog is able to eat a certain food, they may not be able to eat it if it’s raw or seasoned.

Don’t Forget Dental Care For Your Dog
Many pet owners enjoy sharing their food with their dogs. But it’s important that your pet is receiving dog dental care no matter what kind of food they’re eating.

Up to 80% of dogs have periodontal disease by the age of three. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to major health problems for your dog.

Dental care for your dog is an important part of pet healthcare. To learn more about dental care for your dog or to schedule an appointment for your dog, contact the office of AZ Paws today.