Don’t ignore the signs of dental problems in your pet! Protect against and promptly resolve oral health threats

Bad breath. Loose teeth. Dark discoloration. Bloody, stringy saliva. These and other concerning changes to your pet’s mouth can be signs of dental problems that require prompt treatment. In addition to these direct consequences of oral health problems like decay and periodontal (gum) disease, you may notice indirect complications associated with broken, painful teeth and gums. It is not unusual for pet parents in the greater Jacksonville, Florida area to tell our team at Orange Park Animal Hospital at Oakleaf that their dog or cat is: 

• Chewing food oddly
• Having difficulty eating 
• Drooling excessively 
• Dropping kibble and other food from their mouth
• Refusing to eat or drink as they once did 
• Losing weight 
• Scratching or rubbing at their mouth
• Sneezing 
• Not acting “like normal”; for instance, a typically laidback pup may suddenly be irritable 

Don’t ignore these symptoms. They are all signs that your pet’s oral health problems have progressed to the point where your dog or cat is experiencing discomfort or pain. Plus, researchers have found that dogs with untreated gum disease experienced microscopic changes to their hearts, kidneys, and other organs. Like with people, the inflammation and bacteria linked to dental disease can enter the bloodstream and harm vital organs and bodily systems that are distant from the oral cavity (mouth). This process can worsen your pet’s existing conditions or make them vulnerable to other serious systemic diseases and complications. 

The power of wellness

Ideally, we protect against these threats to your pet’s oral and overall health. Our veterinarian, Dr. James Gillen, accomplishes this with consistent, routine “well” visits. Every pet should visit us for a comprehensive exam at least once every year. Even if you think your pet is doing just fine, visits are essential to uncover problems lurking underneath the surface. Often, conditions are asymptomatic in their earliest stages. Plus, animals are notoriously stoic. Disease has often progressed by the time they begin to behave differently, and people notice symptoms. 

During your pet’s exam, Dr. Gillen will check for any potential problems with the jaw, the roots of the teeth, the gums, and other associated tissues and structures. Orange Park Animal Hospital at Oakleaf also supports a full-service onsite lab. So, digital x-rays and other technologies may be used to accurately detect what cannot be seen with the human eye. Additionally, cleanings are performed with gentle ultrasonic scaler tech, and we can go over any techniques and products to empower clients with the information needed to keep their pets’ teeth and gums healthy at home. 

Call (904) 560 8006 to schedule your appointment at our Jacksonville, FL office. When you reach out, be sure to ask about our wellness plans. It has never been easier and more affordable to keep your pet’s “doggie breath” and destructive dental disease at bay with our range of savings plans for puppies and adult dogs, as well as for kittens and adult cats. 

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