Dental Care for Senior Pets

Proper dental care is important for pets of all ages to protect them from the potentially devastating effects of dental disease, which can spiral out of control quickly and impact other aspects of a pet’s health. Senior pets, in particular, need stringent oral hygiene so they can eat comfortably and get the nutrition they need during their golden years.

 At PetSmart Veterinary Services – Troy, we are committed to keeping your pets healthy and happy throughout their lives, and pet dental care is a vital component of a pet’s overall health and well-being. In this blog, our team takes a closer look at senior dental care and why professional dental exams are important for pets of all ages.

Why Senior Dental Care Is Important

Protecting your pet’s oral health is about more than just minty fresh breath. By the time most pets are 3 years old, they’ve started to develop some level of dental disease. Senior pets are more susceptible to the following complications as the disease spreads through the animal’s bloodstream by way of infected gums:

• A reduction in organ function, particularly that of the heart, kidneys, and liver
• Pain and discomfort when chewing, which can make senior pets reluctant to eat
• Tooth loss, making it even harder for senior pets to eat properly

Signs of Dental Disease in Senior Pets

Some pets continue to eat and drink normally in spite of having dental disease, so it’s important to be on the lookout for other signs that your pet is having tooth troubles, such as:

• Chronically bad breath
• Loose or broken teeth
• Swollen, red, or bleeding gums
• Pawing at the mouth
• Excessive drooling
• Discolored teeth
• Trouble eating or a reluctance to eat

The Role of Professional Pet Dental Exams

When combined with at-home dental care, comprehensive pet dental exams performed by your veterinarian offer your pet the best protection against dental disease. Here’s what to expect during pet dental exams:

• A thorough inspection of the mouth to look for signs of dental disease and any unusual lumps or bumps
• Digital dental X-rays to spot problems brewing beneath the gum line
• Teeth cleaning and polishing
• Performing necessary extractions to remove rotten or broken teeth

Senior Dental Care at Home

There are things you can do at home to protect your senior pet’s pearly whites between professional teeth cleaning, including:

• Brush your pet’s teeth every day or at least a couple of times a week using toothpaste made just for pets.
• Offer dental chews and treats.
• Include dental-friendly toys designed to gently scrape the teeth.
• Use dental water additives.
• Consider a diet formulated for dental health. We are happy to make recommendations.

Protect Your Senior Pet’s Smile

Professional dental exams combined with at-home oral care is the best way to ward off the dangers of dental disease and keep your senior pet grinning from ear to ear. If you have questions about senior dental care or would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call.