Does Your Cat or Dog Have Gum Disease? Signs To Watch For

Does Your Cat or Dog Have Gum Disease? Signs To Watch For

Did you know that dogs are five times more likely than people to develop gum disease?

Recent studies have shown that 80% of dogs – and 70% of cats – show signs of oral disease by the time they’re three years old!

This is a problem because when left untreated, periodontal disease in dogs and cats can lead to chronic pain, bone loss, a fractured jaw, diabetes, or disease of the heart, kidney, liver, or brain.

That’s why it’s important to be proactive and take good care of your pet’s oral health, and to be on the lookout for potential signs that your cat or dog is suffering from sort of dental disease.

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOUR DOG OR CAT HAS GUM DISEASE?  

The alarming news is, you can’t. 

Not at first, at least… dogs and cats are both very good at hiding when they’re in discomfort or pain because they are afraid to show signs of weakness. 

So if your pet is dealing with a sore tooth or painful gum infection, they’re not going to go out of their way to let you know about it.

There are some signs you can watch out for, however, including: 

  • Bad breath
  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Problems eating
  • Blood in the water bowl or on chew toys
  • Lumps or bumps in the mouth
  • Loose or missing teeth
  • Not wanting their head or mouth touched
  • Chewing on one side of the mouth
  • Loss of appetite 

All of these signs could indicate that your dog or cat is dealing with inflammation or infection of the gums and/or teeth. If you notice your pet exhibiting any of these symptoms or behaviors, we encourage you to take him or her to the vet for a checkup right away. 


HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CAT OR DOG FROM GUM DISEASE

To maintain good oral hygiene in your pet, veterinarians recommend you do the following:  

  • Take your pet to see the vet for regular dental checkups and cleanings.
  • Feed your pet high-quality dog or cat food. 
  • Give them safe toys and treats for daily chewing.
  • Brush their teeth daily.

However, that last recommendation is often easier said than done! 

As you may know from experience, brushing the teeth of an unwilling animal isn’t exactly easy or fun. In fact, a recent study by Ipsos showed that 93% of pet owners do not brush their teeth daily as recommended by vets.

That’s why the team at VetSmart Formulas® lab developed a veterinarian-strength all-natural oral spray that helps protect cats and dogs from oral disease AND makes their breath smell wonderful no brushing required!

Total Oral Care Spray with Aloe vera

INTRODUCING TOTAL ORAL CARE SPRAY

This custom oral hygiene spray is made from a unique blend of human-grade ingredients, including peppermint, cloves, cinnamon, honey, and soothing aloe vera, which can bring immediate relief to irritated gums while combating bacteria and tartar build-up. The spray is safe to swallow -- there’s no alcohol or artificial flavors or ingredients -- and there’s no need to rinse. 

Best of all, pets love the taste! 

RECOMMENDED BY VETERINARIANS

Total Oral Care Spray is one of the most effective products on the market and helps eliminate the need for periodontal work, which often must be done under anesthesia. This can be a big health risk, especially for older cats and dogs. Not to mention the fact that it’s super expensive!

This spray is ideal for all breeds of dogs and cats -- and is so easy to use, you can even add it to your pet’s drinking water. 
So if you’d like to protect your cat or dog from oral disease and the serious complications that can arise from it, we encourage you to take advantage of this incredibly easy way to help keep your pet healthy and happy for years to come. 

Learn more about Total Oral Care Spray here. 

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Disclaimer:

Pet Wellness Direct does not intend to provide veterinary advice. We help pet owners to better understand their pets; however, all content on this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you suspect that your pet needs medical assistance, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.