Dental health for pets may be lesser-known, but it's
an important part of veterinary care. It's also something pet owners are
increasingly recognizing as a necessity to keep their furry family
members healthy and happy.
In February, many vet clinics across Canada recognize
Dental Health Month in an effort to raise awareness of dental health
and encourage pet owners to have their pets examined.
“Over 70 per cent of cats and dogs over the age of
three years have some form of dental disease,” says Dr. Colleen
Skavinsky, the chief veterinary officer with Petsecure, a Canadian pet
health insurance provider. There are similarities with human dental
diseases. Although cavities are rare, pets commonly suffer from plaque,
tartar, gum inflammation, infections and loose teeth. Many of these
problems occur below the gum line and require treatment by a
veterinarian.
These problems are often overlooked by owners, as
dogs and cats will still appear to eat normally despite their
discomfort. Pets can also sometimes suffer accidents, such as broken
teeth, from overenthusiastic chewing on a bone or a chew toy.
In 2013, Petsecure paid over 4,000 claims for vet
care surrrounding dental illnesses or accidents. As with other forms of
veterinary medicine, advances in technology mean that pets have access
to the best dental care available, but costs continue to rise.
Many pet owners are able to reduce the costs of a
trip to the vet with pet health insurance, and preventative steps can
also be taken at home. Pet-friendly toothpastes, gels and rinses to help
keep teeth clean and plaque-free are widely available.
“Home brushing programs are the cornerstone to a
lifetime of dental health,” says Dr. Skavinsky. “See your veterinarian
for tips on starting a homecare program for your cat or dog.”
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