Dental care essential to pet's overall health

By Brian J. Lowney
Fur, fin and feathers
March 22, 2009 6:00 AM
When was the last time you checked your pet's mouth?
According to veterinary experts, one important aspect of animal health that is often neglected is dental care.
"A lot of other diseases frequently start as a sequel to periodontal disease," reports Dr. Timothy Donovan, owner of Kindred Spirits Mobile Veterinary Service in Mattapoisett. When dental problems go untreated, they produce harmful bacteria that can eventually lead to heart and kidney problems and other conditions.
Dr. Donovan emphasizes that every cat and dog should receive a comprehensive dental checkup during the animal's yearly veterinary examination, and owners should periodically check for broken teeth, cuts and gum infections. Despite "tough economic times, dental care should not be overlooked," and is just as important as grooming the animal to keep it healthy, Dr. Donovan says.
"At home, make a visual inspection of the teeth and smell the animal's breath," he says, noting that halitosis, drooling and changes in eating habits are warning signs of dental disease.
"I think the biggest fallacy is that feeding a cat dry food will maintain dental health," Dr. Donovan says. "It's not true. Cats don't chew long enough for the texture to make a significant difference. Keeping teeth clean shouldn't be a reason for feeding dry food."

If a feline is cooperative, its teeth should be brushed periodically with toothpaste made especially for cats. Don't use human toothpaste — the fluoride can make animals sick.

And humans.