Gum disease: What every pet owner should know
"We should have a way of telling people they have bad breath without hurting their feelings. Well, I'm bored. Let's go brush our teeth. Or, I've got to make a phone call. Hold this gum in your mouth." ~ Brad Stine
Is it just Bad Breath?
Bad breath is a common problem in both pets and humans. Dental cleaning products are becoming increasingly popular as the bacteria that causes bad breath also causes gum disease, tooth decay and painful infections.
Gingivitis, if untreated, can progress to periodontitis, causing painful bleeding gums and bad breath. Your pet may also exhibit pain-related symptoms such as reduced appetite, aggression, lethargy, and lack of enthusiasm to play.
Recent studies have identified that bacteria enters the circulatory system, and can trigger/exacerbate illnesses such as cardiovascular, kidney and autoimmune disease. These conditions are often be improved, if not cured, by treating the periodontal disease.
Whether or not your pet has been diagnosed with a systemic disease, it is worthwhile performing regular checks of their gums and teeth.
Prevention is better than cure
Diet is the most preventative way to maintain oral health. We recommend reading Raw Meaty Bones, where the author, Dr. Tom Lonsdale compares our modern canines to wild wolves, who are not impacted by poor oral health. Dogs and cats are inheritably carnivores—chewing reduces stress and helps keep the teeth clean.
Another benefit of the Raw Meaty Bones diet is healthier poops, which smaller and firmer, resulting happy anal glands.
Sources:
Lonsdale, T. (2001). Raw Meaty Bones. Rivetco P/L. Windsor, Australia
NB: Never feed cooked bones. Please consult with your veterinarian before you start feeding raw bones to get professional advice
Is it just Bad Breath?
Bad breath is a common problem in both pets and humans. Dental cleaning products are becoming increasingly popular as the bacteria that causes bad breath also causes gum disease, tooth decay and painful infections.
Gingivitis, if untreated, can progress to periodontitis, causing painful bleeding gums and bad breath. Your pet may also exhibit pain-related symptoms such as reduced appetite, aggression, lethargy, and lack of enthusiasm to play.
Recent studies have identified that bacteria enters the circulatory system, and can trigger/exacerbate illnesses such as cardiovascular, kidney and autoimmune disease. These conditions are often be improved, if not cured, by treating the periodontal disease.
Whether or not your pet has been diagnosed with a systemic disease, it is worthwhile performing regular checks of their gums and teeth.
Prevention is better than cure
Diet is the most preventative way to maintain oral health. We recommend reading Raw Meaty Bones, where the author, Dr. Tom Lonsdale compares our modern canines to wild wolves, who are not impacted by poor oral health. Dogs and cats are inheritably carnivores—chewing reduces stress and helps keep the teeth clean.
Another benefit of the Raw Meaty Bones diet is healthier poops, which smaller and firmer, resulting happy anal glands.
Sources:
Lonsdale, T. (2001). Raw Meaty Bones. Rivetco P/L. Windsor, Australia
NB: Never feed cooked bones. Please consult with your veterinarian before you start feeding raw bones to get professional advice
- By MYWANCO