John & Max’s story...
I've always considered myself a good pet owner. I gave my dog, Max, all the love, the best food, and plenty of walks. But, if I'm honest, I never took his dental health seriously. I thought his stinky breath and those unsightly teeth were just part of him being a dog. He was a scrappy little rat terrier mix with a lot of heart, and I figured he was doing just fine.
Last month, just after Max’s 9th birthday, I noticed he was less energetic and had lost interest in his favorite chew toys. Concerned, I scheduled a visit to the vet. I was expecting to hear that he was just getting older, maybe arthritis or something manageable. But what the vet told me shook my world…
Max had severe periodontal disease. His gums were infected, and several teeth were loose. The vet explained that the bacteria from his mouth likely entered his bloodstream, affecting his organs. His kidneys were beginning to fail, and his liver values were off. I was devastated. All those years of neglecting his teeth, thinking it was a minor issue, had led to potentially life-threatening conditions...
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