7 Fun Facts About Your Pet's Teeth!

While dentistry is its own profession in the field of human medicine, all veterinarians are qualified to practice dentistry in animals! Here are some interesting facts about your pets' teeth.

1) Dogs have 42 teeth and cats have 30 teeth when they're adults. Adult humans have 32.

2) Animals also have milk teeth that fall out to be replaced by permanent teeth.

3) Despite the fact it is not commonly performed by pet owners, cats and dogs do need to have their teeth brushed daily just like humans! Yes, dental chews are great, but they are not enough on their own. This prevents plaque buildup that leads to tooth loss later in life. Pets also need occasional professional cleaning, because very hard calculus can not be removed with brushing alone.

4) The tooth roots in dogs are very long - up to twice as long as the visible crown in some teeth!

5) Cavities are less common in dogs than in people because of the differences in their diets, as well as differences in the bacterial species that live in their mouths.

6) Signs of dental disease in pets include bad breath, red or bleeding gums, thick saliva, exposed tooth roots, difficulty eating, facial swelling and rubbing the face on the floor or with the paws.

7) Despite the common belief that feeding bones help clean your pet's teeth, feeding very hard chews like bones can actually cause enamel damage and tooth fractures - not to mention the high risk of gastrointestinal obstructions that may require surgery. Feeding bones does not replace tooth brushing and professional teeth cleaning.

Be sure to book a free dental check* with Duynevet if you think your pet suffers from dental disease!

021 2020 572

082 699 0377

 info@duynevet.co.za

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