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Community Corner

Healthy Teeth And Gums Important To Pet Health

Like humans, poor dental hygiene can result in bleeding gums and bacteria build-up that can spread into an animal's bloodstream and put internal organs at risk.

Dental hygiene isn’t just for humans. It’s important to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy too.

Dogs and cats generally don’t get cavities, but small pets are not resistant to gum disease. Like humans, poor dental hygiene can result in bleeding gums and bacteria build-up that can spread into an animal’s bloodstream and put internal organs at risk. Consider the long-term care – and cost – of not keeping your pet’s teeth and gums healthy!

While a veterinarian can certainly tackle your pet’s mouth, you can also give it a try if your animal is willing.

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Invest in a cat or dog toothbrush along with specially formulated veterinary toothpaste. Don’t use human toothpaste -- your pet doesn’t have the ability to rinse and spit. Instead, purchase a veterinary toothpaste that comes in flavors pets like and is safe for them to swallow.

If your pet is unwilling to get his teeth brushed (cats are usually more difficult than dogs!), talk to your veterinarian.

Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Additionally, during regular veterinary wellness exams ask about your pet’s dental health.

Looking for a new pet? Check out the attached photos of just some of the dogs and cats available for adoption at And if you're over 60, ask about the shelter's senior promo that waives adoption fees.

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