Did You Schedule Your Pets Dental Exam? February Is Pet Dental Month

Let’s Take Care Of Our Pets Teeth

February is Pet Dental Month

February is Pet Dental month!!!  Did you make your appointment for your pet to get the teeth checked or cleaned?  Concerns about  dental health are not just limited to people, our pet’s teeth need to be cared for too! A consistent dental hygiene routine can not only help with your pet’s chronic bad breath, but can also help in extending your friend’s life.

Dental disease (including tartar, plaque, gingivitis, and periodontitis) is a widespread epidemic amongst our pet population.  The deleterious effects of this disease are not only destructive on a local level within the mouth, but can have extensive systemic effects as well.  Organs affected by this disease include the liver, kidneys and heart.  This damage can have devastating consequences not only on the quality, but also the length of your pet’s life.  In many cases, once dental disease has reached a certain point, many of its effects are irreversible.

Poor dental care can also be linked to severe health issues and shorter lifespans in dogs and cats. The bacteria associated with tartar buildup and periodontal disease can contribute to heart, liver and kidney problems

The AVMA’s list of signs that dental disease has already started in a dog or cat includes:

• Red swollen gums or brownish-yellow tartar on teeth
• Bad breath
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Frequent pawing or rubbing at the face and/or mouth
• Reluctance to eat – for example, picking it up and then spitting it out

Pet Dental Health Fast Facts:

Dogs

• Puppies have 28 temporary teeth that begin to show at about 3 to 4 weeks of age
• They have 42 permanent teeth that generally grow in between 5 to 7 months of age
• Periodontal disease is the most common dental issue among dogs

Cats

• Kittens have 26 temporary teeth that begin to show at about 2 to 3 weeks of age
• They have 30 permanent teeth that generally grow in by 5 to 6 months of age
• Other dental issues that are common in cats include tooth resorption and ulcerative stomatitis

Give a call to to your Veterinarian and make your appointment to have your pets teeth cleaned.  If you are in Union County NC and need a veterinarian Love and Kisses Pet Sitting would like to recommend Pressley Animal Hospital.  Tell them we sent you!!!

admin