As a professional pet-sitter and dog walker for 13 years now (and lifelong companion animal guardian), I have seen or heard about my share of dogs and cats with dental issues being neglected, whether unintentionally or intentionally. It breaks my heart, thus, I am writing here on the subject in hopes of helping some of these “voiceless” creatures who suffer needlessly. Just as humans need regular dental care, in the way of cleanings, extractions, root canals, etc., so do our companion animals. Otherwise, just as with humans, there will be pain, discomfort, not wanting to eat - you may not realize your pet is in pain, because they are able to hide it so well, instinctually. Infections can spread to the jawbones and other parts of the body if not taken care of.

I would like to add that feral cats, and colony cats you may be feeding outdoors, will also need to see a veterinarian for their teeth. There are vets who care for ferals; please do research to find one, if needed.

And there are low-cost options if you cannot afford it; prices have skyrocketed. There are low-cost veterinarians —here in the Bronx, there are several, including ASPCA Community Clinic, and also the Humane Society in Manhattan, as well as vet mobiles which do surgeries inside a truck or van.

You can:

Ask your veterinarian if they do payment plans.

Get a CareCredit card to pay upfront and then you can pay off what you are able on a monthly basis;
Some charities will help you take care of your dog’s or cat’s teeth problems, such as:
Frankie's Friends: Provides grants to pet owners for life-saving emergency or specialty veterinary care. They primarily focus on situations where pets would suffer or be euthanized without proper treatment, often dealing with emergencies or specialty conditions rather than routine dental care. They offer grants up to $2,000 per pet per household.
RedRover Relief: Offers Urgent Care grants (around $250) to help fill funding gaps for pets needing urgent care.
Brown Dog Foundation: Assists those with sick or injured pets who would respond to treatment but whose owners lack immediate funds.
Shakespeare Animal Fund: Aimed at helping seniors, veterans, disabled individuals, and those with incomes below the poverty line with emergency veterinary bills.
Veterinary Care Foundation: Partners with veterinary practices to discount or cover the cost of treatment for families and rescues in nee

Other avenues for assistance

Local shelters and animal welfare organizations: Many offer low-cost veterinary clinics or may know of local programs or funds to help.
Veterinary schools: Some vet schools offer reduced-cost treatment for pets.
Negotiate with your veterinarian: If you have a good relationship with your vet, discuss potential payment plans.
Crowdfunding platforms: Sites like GoFundMe, Waggle and FreeFunder can help raise funds for your pet's treatment. You’d be surprised at how many people will donate to help an animal in need.

Important considerations

Eligibility and application process: Each organization has specific criteria and application procedures. Be sure to carefully review them.
Type of care covered: Not all organizations cover routine dental care. Some focus on emergencies or specialized treatments.
Diagnosis and treatment plan: Many organizations require a diagnosis and treatment plan before considering an application.

Remember to research different options and apply to the organizations that best fit your situation. Don't hesitate to seek advice from your veterinarian or local animal welfare groups for guidance.

**If your best friend’s breath smells bad, it is not normal, not to be “accepted” , but is a sign that there is plaque/tartar build-up in his/her mouth and possible damaged teeth which may not be able to be seen by the naked eye, fractures, resorptive lesions, abscesses. All these conditions need the care of an experienced veterinarian. Now, if your companion is a senior or has a heart condition, the Animal Medical Center, which is in existence over 100 years, has one or two board-certified veterinary dentists, who are skilled in this area, and who you can trust. My cat Petey was diagnosed with a heart condition at 3 years old, and had to have all his back teeth removed the following year, at AMC, after I saw him pawing at his mouth, and not being able to eat. He did well there; my senior cat, Linda , had her teeth done under anesthesia there at AMC two months prior, and I was told that her heart slowed but medicine helped her. I could not get Linda’s teeth done for a couple years, due to a diagnosis of a heart murmur. Homeopathic treatment appears to have resolved the heart murmur, or, according to her holistic vet, it was misdiagnosed. So this is another option, if your animal has a heart condition, or liver condition, work on curing it first, then get their teeth taken care of safely. And get a second opinion, don’t just go by one person’s opinion.

There is a condition known as stomatitis. Stomatitis is a severe and intensely painful inflammation of the oral tissues in cats, including the gums (gingiva), inner lining of the cheeks (mucous membranes), and the back of the throat (pharynx). While not all forms of stomatitis are autoimmune, chronic ulcerative stomatitis (CUS) is considered an autoimmune disease. CUS is characterized by painful, recurring sores in the mouth, and research indicates that an autoimmune response contributes to its development. However, other types of stomatitis can be caused by infections, injuries, allergic reactions, or even certain medications. The inflammation can lead to the formation of open sores or ulcers throughout the cat's mouth, making it incredibly uncomfortable and painful for them to chew or swallow food, leading to refusal to eat altogether. Often, removal of all the teeth, or back teeth, can resolve the problem.

When cats don’t eat for several days, this can lead to a potentially serious and life-threatening condition called hepatic lipidosis, also known as fatty liver disease. Here's why and what happens:

Unique Feline Metabolism: Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they rely heavily on animal protein for their nutritional needs. Their metabolism is not well-adapted to long periods without food.
Fat Mobilization: When a cat doesn't eat, its body begins to break down stored fat for energy
.Liver Overload: The liver plays a crucial role in processing this mobilized fat. However, in cats, the liver can become overwhelmed by the influx of fat and struggles to process it efficiently.

Fatty Deposits: This excess fat can then build up within the liver cells, impairing liver function.
Hepatic Lipidosis: This accumulation of fat in the liver is what defines hepatic lipidosis.
Liver Failure: If left untreated, hepatic lipidosis can lead to liver failure, and potentially death. Overweight cats are particularly susceptible to developing hepatic lipidosis because they have larger fat stores to mobilize.
Timeframe: This condition can develop surprisingly quickly. Cats who stop eating for as little as 24-48 hours should be evaluated by a veterinarian, especially if they are overweight, according to Garden State Veterinary Specialists. The risk of hepatic lipidosis becomes significant after 2-7 days without food.
Symptoms: Besides the obvious lack of appetite, signs of hepatic lipidosis can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Importance of Veterinary Care: Any cat that goes without food for more than 24 hours should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a positive outcome.

In conclusion, if you see excessive tartar on your family member’s teeth, or bleeding when you brush them, pawing at the mouth, foul-smelling breath, and if Fluffy or Max’s teeth have not been cared for since you adopted him or her, or in a long time, please do them a favor, out of compassion, and have them visit a reputable veterinarian as soon as possible. Thank you.