Welcome to another Teethsy talk for Pet Dental Month 2019. We are now half way through this month, and I am seeing so many cases that actually have nothing to do with teeth.
I am seeing pets with severe ear infections, diarrhea, pancreatitis, itching, sore bottoms. Even a few cat and dog fight wounds, dogs with lumps, and those dogs who are losing weight.
Many of these pets also have dental disease.
Talking about dental disease during these times of illness, to me, seems wrong, even though it is the right thing to do.
You see, the pet owner didn't bring them in for a dental check. They didn't and often don't, recognise that their pet has sore teeth.
They brought them in for "whatever thing they were doing", not because they have dental issues.
As soon as the discussion goes towards other issues with the pet (such as stiff joints, sore mouths, lumps or anything else we may find during our thorough general examination), many owners seem to have the look on their face as if to say "you are about to upsell me on something".
Pet owners seem to forget that my job, as a vet, is to examine your pet thoroughly, identify any issues that are outside the normal spectrum, discuss that with you, and turn you into an informed pet owner. This is what I have been trained to do - this is what my desire is as an animal lover to help the pets that are under my care.
I certainly would not expect my mechanic to keep his mouth shut that my car needed new brake pads, just because I took my car in to check the oil leak. I would never accuse him of upselling just because he was doing his job.
80% of pets will have some form of dental disease at 2 years of age and older.
80% of pets will not have diarrhea by this age.
Dental disease is THE most common disease in our pets.
It is not THE most common presenting complaint to vet hospitals.
Diarrhea is common, and if your pet has had diarrhoea for several days, I can guarantee that you will be taking them to your local vet for a thorough examination and treatment. I know you do, because you love your pet.
If you want your pet to have their teeth for a long time, then you need to step up and take your pet to the vet for a dental check.
These dental checks are free all year round with us, with many vet hospitals all over Australia offering free dental checks in August of every year. The only initial cost is your time.
What can you do for home care?
There are so many products out there that have the word "dental" in them. Anybody can produce a chew, a toy or a food, and say it will help keep your pet's breath smelling good, and your pet's mouth healthy.
How do you know that they actually do what they say they do?
Ask us about what would work for your pet, or if you are not in our area, your trusty local vet. Try to look for one who is a member of the Australian Veterinary Dental Society as they are likely to be a bit more dental savvy.
The reason why I won't go into specific home care here, is that we individualise the dental program for each pet, which we can't do here. Anything I say would have to have similar fine print that goes into many financial counselor documents (general in nature blah blah blah)
We know that many products are great, but we know that there are many human and pet factors which will affect how well they work. We also know that many products are crap. To say that they are crap in a blog would set me up for defamation. Truth is not a defence.
When to start?
If you never want to hear the line "your pet needs to have 10, 12, 15, 20 teeth removed", and you want your pet to have forever teeth, then the care starts as soon as they enter your family.
For most of you, that is when they are kittens or puppies - only months old. Dental disease can be prevented in many pets, or the progression slowed in many others, just by starting early.
Once dental disease exists, it is always going to be a tough battle. It is going to be hard work, but doable. Seriously, your efforts, can make a big difference.
So, no matter how old your pet is, get their teeth checked now, and make sure it is done each six months of their lives FOREVER.
If you want your pet to have forever teeth, then forever care starts now. And it starts with the help of your vet. You know the one that your pet should visit at least two times a year for life, not just for baby shots, desexing, and then to euthenase them.
My dental credentials: I am an active long term member of the Australian Veterinary Dental Society (for over 10 years), have published many articles on dental care (from a general practitioners perspective), an active member of the American Foundation in Veterinary Dentistry, and read the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry like many people read Womens Day. I am also a member of the Veterinary Dental Education Centre, and have attended many wetlabs as well as lectures on basic and advanced dentistry.
