Good dental health is as important for animals as it is for humans. Be it your beloved pet dog,cat, rabbit, guinea pig, or prized livestock like cattle and horses, dental health is key to good overall health. In this blog we’ll delve into why dental health is important for both small and large animals, identify common signs that point to dental issues, and highlight steps you can take to maintain and improve the oral health of your pets and livestock.

Pets and Small Animals

Your pet’s teeth may not be the first thing that jumps to mind when thinking about their overall health. However, just like humans, pets have dental diseases that may affect their teeth and gums, with the potential to negatively impact their quality of life. According to the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, approximately 85% of cats and dogs over three years show some form of dental disease, ranging from mild gingivitis to severe periodontal disease.  These conditions can be painful and uncomfortable, and if left unaddressed, may lead to serious systemic complications such as liver, kidney, and heart infections[1,2]. For example, dogs with advanced periodontal disease are at risk for both heart disease and endocarditis[2,3]. Small mammals with teeth that grow continuously such as rabbits and guinea pigs, are more prone to dental problems like malocclusion (teeth misalignment) leading to pain, abscesses, and potentially starvation if the animal is not able to chew properly[1].

Common Dental Problems in Pets

The most common dental problems we see in our veterinary facility include:

• Plaque and Tartar Formation: Plaque forms when bacteria combine with saliva and food debris and calcify into hard tartar. If unremoved, the tartar builds up below the gumline and can cause periodontal disease[2].
• Fractured or Loose Teeth: Broken teeth, usually caused by chewing on something hard, can become very painful and infected if left untreated[3].
• Gingivitis: This gum inflammation is caused by the buildup of plaque and could lead to serious oral health disorders[2].
• Tooth Abscesses: Bacterial infection in the oral cavity can result in abscess formation that may require surgical intervention[1].
• Oral Tumours: Although less common, your pet could experience tumours in their oral cavity and need urgent help[1].

 Steps to Improve Your Pet’s Dental Health

Happily, with regular care and professional checkups, many dental problems can be prevented. Here are five ways you can ensure your pet maintains a healthy smile:

1. Daily brushing: The gold standard to remove plaque is brushing your pet’s teeth using a pet-specific toothpaste, as human toothpaste ingredients, such as xylitol, are toxic. Go slowly to help your pet become familiar with the sensation[1,2].
2. Dental chews and toys: May help reduce plaque accumulation. The most effective products will have the approval of the Veterinary Oral Health Council VOHC[1].
3. Professional cleanings: Routine cleanings by your veterinarian are the backbone of oral health, allowing for tarter to be completely removed and diagnosis of any underlying oral health problems[3].
4. Specialized diets: Certain pet foods are formulated to help promote oral health, including reducing tartar formation and providing nutrients for healthy gums [2].
5. Annual checkups: Have your pet’s teeth and gums checked at least one time per year to catch issues before they become serious[3].

A Lifetime of Smiles and Health

Good oral health for your pet means a happier and healthier life with you. Regular brushing, professional cleanings, and early recognition of dental problems will prevent painful conditions and systemic diseases. Contact your veterinarian to discuss implementing an individualized dental care plan for your pet to safeguard their health from nose to tail.

Large Animals and Livestock

Poor dental health may affect your animal’s quality of life in addition to their expected life span[1,3]. In livestock, dental health also influences productivity and performance. For instance, cattle and horses that have dental problems can experience weight loss because of poor chewing, which may result in decreased milk production or impaired athletic performance[2,3].

Common Dental Problems in Large Animals

Horses: Equine dental health is essential to ensure a horse can eat and perform. A horse’s teeth grow continuously yet wear unevenly, resulting in sharp points, hooks, or wave mouth conditions. If left unattended, these issues can create pain, weight loss, and behavioural problems. Symptoms of poor dental health include:

• Dropping food or difficulty chewing
• Undigested food in manure
• Head tossing or reluctance to accept the bit

Cattle and Other Livestock – Animals like cows, sheep, and goats have a high dependence on effective chewing to digest their normally fibrous diets. Dental problems may significantly impact feed intake and productivity. The most common issues include loss of teeth in older animals and infections such as tooth root abscesses. Symptoms include:

• Weight loss
• Difficulty chewing-quidding in cattle
• Swelling in the jaw

Preventative Dental Care for your Large Animals

1. Regular Dental Check-ups: Teeth should be checked in horses and livestock regularly, with dental exams conducted on horses either annually or every six months. Floating is done during the check-up to correct uneven wear by filing down sharp points[2].
2. Monitoring Intake: Animals that begin to drop their food or chew abnormally may require intervention by the veterinarian[1].
3. Proper Nutrition: Diets with adequate roughage prevent dental disorders. The act of chewing fibrous material encourages normal wear and tear of teeth both in large and small animals[3].
4. Environment and Behaviour: Watch out for trauma due to chewing inappropriate objects resulting in fractures and other dental disorders[1,3].

The Role of Veterinary Care in Dental Health

Veterinarians play an essential role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing dental diseases. For small animals, routine cleanings and X-rays can uncover hidden issues below the gumline. For large animals, veterinary care often involves more complex procedures such as tooth extractions or surgical intervention for abscesses. For both small and large animals, early detection and treatment can save significant costs and improve the animal’s quality of life[1,2,3].

Whether it’s your pet or a herd of livestock, dental health should be a priority. Good oral hygiene can prevent pain, improve eating efficiency, and even prolong life. Regular dental care routines and a veterinarian’s professional advice can go a long way in keeping your animals healthy and sound for a longer period. Let’s work together to make animal dental health a priority.

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Sources:

[1] Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine:Dental Health for Pets

[2] University of Florida, Small Animal Dentistry:Oral Health in Pets

[3] American Veterinary Medical Association:Dental Care Guidelines