LAGUNA HILLS, Calif., Dec. 21, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Laguna Hills veterinarian Dr. Maged Kerolos of Trinity Pet Hospital is urging pet owners to take pet dental care seriously. According to Dr. Kerolos, 85% of cats and dogs suffer from pet periodontal disease, and this can adversely affect a pet's overall health. He says that good pet dental health consists of regular dental checkups and cleanings with a veterinary dentist, as well as establishing good dental hygiene habits at home. Dr. Kerolos adds that he and his staff can give pet owners tips and assistance in starting or improving daily home pet dental care habits.
"Poor pet dental hygiene is one of the biggest, yet most hidden pet health problems we see today," says Dr. Kerolos. "It's more than just bad breath or teeth falling out. The bacteria that cause the plaque, then the tartar, can burrow into the gums and even into the jaw bone and gradually eat away at it, making the pet miserable and unable to eat. The same bacteria can even enter the bloodstream and damage the heart, liver and kidneys. It's a very serious issue."
Dr. Kerolos mentions several pet dental disease symptoms that pet owners should watch for: very bad breath, loose or missing teeth, very yellow or dull-looking teeth, swollen or bleeding gums, blood stains on chew toys, and loss of appetite or signs that the pet is in pain when trying to eat or drink. He says that if pet owners notice these signs, they should schedule an appointment for a pet dental check up as soon as possible.
The Laguna Hills veterinarian adds that even without these obvious symptoms, periodontal disease can still be a problem. He says that all pets should have an annual dental check up with their veterinarian and that pet owners should learn how to brush their pets' teeth daily. He says that certain pet treats and water bowl additives can also help keep plaque and bacteria at bay, but there are no substitute for checkups and daily brushing.
Dr. Kerolos says that he and his staff are always ready to help teach people to brush their pets' teeth at home, and they can recommend pet toothbrushes and toothpastes with pet-friendly flavors. He adds, "We recommend starting when your pets are puppies and kittens, but it's never too late to start. It can take a couple of weeks of persistent, patient positive reinforcement, but it really pays off because your pet will be happier and healthier in the long run and won't suffer the pain of dental disease."
Trinity Pet Hospital is a full-service animal hospital in Laguna Hills, providing all pet wellness services from vaccines, dermatology and routine checkups to spay and neuter pet surgery, emergency pet care and pet dentistry. To learn more, visit their website at http://lagunapetvet.com/