Care of the teeth is an important part of pet healthcare that many pet owners overlook. Read more about some important factors regarding pet care.

It may surprise you to learn that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats exhibit signs of periodontal (dental) disease by age 3. Care of the teeth is an important part of pet healthcare that many pet owners overlook. Despite the fact that veterinarians emphasize brushing your pet’s teeth, 65% of pet owners don’t follow through with this recommendation. By the time a dog reaches adulthood, it has 42 teeth, while an adult cat has 30 teeth. Fortunately, it’s not necessary to floss a dog’s teeth; brushing alone cleans 90% of the teeth’s surfaces.

Pet Healthcare: Spaying or Neutering Your Dog or Cat
In addition to dental care for your pet, you need to consider spaying or neutering to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The only foolproof method of contraception for dogs and cats is spaying and neutering. Thankfully, many owners understand that preventing animal overpopulation is crucial. The American Pet Products Association reports that from 2015 to 2016, pet owners had 90% of cats and 86% of dogs spayed or neutered. This is an important issue, since a dog can produce 2 litters annually, and most litters contain six to 10 puppies. A single female cat that has not been spayed can be responsible for nearly 5,000 kittens in a seven-year period. Many unwanted offspring end up in animal shelters.

SpayUSA.org states that your female dog or cat should be spayed before she has a first litter. Pregnancy can occur in cats and dogs when they are just five months old. To be on the safe side, you can have kittens or puppies spayed or neutered when they are just two months old.

Owning a dog or cat is a special responsibility. Pet owners should consider not only the health and well-being of their pets, but the greater problem of animal shelter crowding; this problem can be addressed by spaying and neutering dogs and cats as soon as they’re old enough to undergo the surgery. Periodontal disease is common in cats and dogs, so early dental care, including regular exams of the mouth at vet visits and brushing at home, is critical. Call us today to set up your appointment to care for your furry friend.