Caring for your pets can sometimes feel overwhelming. After all, it’s hard to communicate when you cannot speak the same language. But just because cats and dogs can’t talk doesn’t signify they can’t get their point across. Often, it’s a natural animal instinct to hide signs of discomfort and pain. The reason why they naturally hide their pain or discomfort is because it would mark them as vulnerable for predators to target. This article discusses managing your cat’s dental health.
Analyzing Plaque
You must understand the problem that plaque arises when managing your cat’s dental health. When you wake up every morning, you probably feel your teeth sticky. Likewise, your morning breath tends to be much worse than it usually is, and that’s because it’s plaque. Considering how many hours your kitty sleeps daily, their plaque levels are most likely off the charts. Unfortunately, plaque becomes tartar. At some point, tartar can develop into periodontal disease or gum disease. It’s definitely bad news when gum disease spirals out of control.
Oral Health Concerns
Like people, your four-legged friends have dental and oral health problems. So, it is vital to take your cat to the veterinarian whenever it displays sickness symptoms. However, monitor your cat until the next vet appointment. Bleeding gums, bad breath, mouth ulcers, and swollen gums are just as nasty as they would be for you. Also, pawing at the mouth, drooling, and not eating are warning signs that your feline has some form of gingivitis.
Brushing Your Feline’s Teeth
You probably had to teach your kids how to brush their teeth when they were little. However, your cats are different because they don’t have the fingers or hands to do that themselves. You may do this by massaging their gums with one of your fingers or a soft cotton swab so your cat can adjust to the sensation. Once they’ve used it, utilize a toothbrush specifically made for feline teeth. It’s smaller, and the bristles are softer. Remember toys, treats, and playtime! Managing your cat’s dental health will save you many painful scratchings later.
Support Your Pet’s Wellness at Alexander Animal Hospital
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment. We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!