Healthy South Coast Pets: Feline Dental Care in Dartmouth, MA
One of the best ways to take good care of your cat is to provide her with quality veterinary care at your local Dartmouth animal hospital. However, it is important to understand that proper veterinary care in Massachusetts should also include feline dental care. Dental care for pets is more than just learning how to brush your cat’s teeth at home. While this is an important part of the process, a good evaluation and professional cleaning at Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth is required to ensure there aren’t any underlying conditions that could be contributing to your pet’s poor oral health.
Does Your Cat Have Bad Breath?
Believe it or not, this is one of the most common reasons why pet owners choose to bring their cat in for a check-up at the local Dartmouth animal hospital with regard to dental care services. If your cat has bad breath, it could be indicative of a serious problem. The truth is, even if your cat were to eat a can of tuna fish every single day, she should not have bad breath. So if your cat does have breath that smells like rotting food or decay, chances are high that something more serious is at its root.
Bad breath in a cat can indicate an illness. It can also be a sign of tooth decay or some sort of oral infection. Either way, these are conditions that should be checked out by a professional for veterinary care in Massachusetts. They cannot be fixed just by taking time to brush your cat’s teeth or through herbal medications that claim to stop bad breath in pets. Make sure to consult with your veterinarian for best results.
Is Your Cat Acting Strange?
That might seem like a loaded question, as most pet owners know that it is normal for a cat to act unusual. However, you know your pet better than anyone else, so if you notice your cat acting “off” compared to her normal behavior patterns, she might be in pain. Cats are extremely good at hiding their pain, as it is an instinct used in the wild for survival. It can be difficult to identify when a cat is in pain, but there are signs you can look for and recognize.
Even with mouth pain, including gums and teeth that are sore, most cats will continue eating. However, once the pain becomes too severe to even overcome their natural instincts to keep eating, they will eventually stop eating. Cats cannot go days without food, their bodies react differently to hunger than other mammals, so it is important to pay attention to how much food your cat is consuming. Watch for any changes in temperament as well, as this is often the only visible behavioral change that most cat owners will see.
Why is Dental Disease So Dangerous?
The important thing to know about dental disease in pets is that it is really dangerous. A small infection can progress to gingivitis if left unchecked through proper veterinary care in Massachusetts, which can cause infections in your cat’s lungs, bones and bloodstream. Taking the time to brush your cat’s teeth and get regular check-ups at the Dartmouth animal hospital can prevent a small issue from becoming a large and expensive problem.
Studies show that cats who have dental disease are at a higher risk for developing other conditions and diseases as well. For example, dental disease can increase the risk for developing diabetes, kidney disease, autoimmune related diseases, arthritis, heart failure, infections of the heart and lungs – even some types of cancer. Bring your cat in to Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth for a complete evaluation.
Feline Dental Care at Anchor Animal Hospital
If you are interested in learning more about the importance of feline dental care as part of your overall veterinary care in Massachusetts for cats, dogs and other pets, contact Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth. Our team can help develop a comprehensive preventive care program for you and your pet, including tips on how to brush your cat’s teeth, make healthy food choices and schedule professional cleanings at our Dartmouth animal hospital. Give us a call at 508-996-3731 to make an appointment or to speak with one of our staff.