February Is National Pet Dental Health Month!

Calling all cat lovers and owners of feline friends—the month of February is designated as National Pet Dental Health Month! Taking care of your cat’s teeth is extremely important for its wellbeing. Humans take care of their teeth every day, and the same principle should be applied to cats.

Many cat owners do not realize that they should be keeping up with their pet’s dental hygiene. Failure to clean and inspect your cat’s teeth can lead to painful diseases and costly veterinarian visits. To keep your cat happy and healthy, make cat dental care in Alexandria, VA a priority.

The basics of feline dental hygiene

Just like humans brush their teeth multiple times a day, your cat’s teeth require frequent cleanings, as well. Veterinarians recommend cat owners brush their cat’s teeth at least several times a week, but brushing every day is preferred.

Make sure to be gentle and patient if your cat is not used to having their teeth brushed, as the process may take some getting used to. Always use a pet-specific toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste to ensure your cat does not ingest any potentially harmful ingredients. If you need recommendations, consult a vet who specializes in cat dental care in Alexandria, VA.

Brushing your cat’s teeth provides numerous benefits, including the prevention of decay, gum disease and bacterial growth. When cats’ teeth are not properly cared for, they can decay and fall out; although this is a major concern for outdoor cats, indoor cats without teeth may still suffer from improper nourishment and other ailments as a result.

Diseases such as periodontitis (the inflammation of gum tissues) are also caused by a failure to care for your cat’s teeth. Periodontitis is extremely common in cats and can cause bad breath and painful inflammation.

When it’s time to see a vet

You should take your cat in for a dental checkup with a licensed veterinarian every year to make sure its dental hygiene is acceptable and to check for any dental-related diseases.

In between routine checkups with a cat vet, you should continue to monitor and care for your cat’s teeth. You should be able to spot a few signs that indicate your cat is suffering from dental problems.

If your cat refuses to eat, chews oddly on one side of the mouth, drools or drops its food, it is likely displaying signs of oral pain, and you should take it to see a vet as soon as possible.
Additionally, you should visually inspect your cat’s mouth regularly to look for signs of inflammation. If your cat has red, inflamed gums, bad breath or yellow or brown tartar on its teeth, you should make an appointment for cat dental care in Alexandria, VA.

For more information about caring for your cat’s dental hygiene or to schedule a dental appointment for your pet, call Kingstowne Cat Clinic. Our licensed veterinarians have served the community for over 25 years, offering wellness exams, surgery, dental care, vaccinations and more for cats. Call us today to make an appointment!

Categorised in: dental

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