Pet Dental Care Matters
February is “Pet Dental Health Month”
The American Veterinarian Medical Association (AVMA) reminds all pet owners to provide dental care for cats and dogs. February is a month emphasizing awareness and proactive dental hygiene for pets. If a human breaks a tooth or has cavity-related pain, we drop everything and find a way to get the pain addressed. Not many things motivate immediate response like dental pain.
Pets depend on us to provide this level of concern and care. As with all things, ask about your options for costs and payment. To help pet parents know when to schedule a check-up, the AVMA lists several symptoms worthy of calling your vet. These include but are not limited to:
- Bad breath
- Broken tooth
- Discoloration (to teeth or gums)
- Unusual chewing or biting
- Unwillingness to eat (associated with pain)
- Bleeding or swelling around the gums
Doggie dental work is expensive and often requires anesthesia. But as the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Here are some of the best tips and tricks:
Brush & Clean Their Teeth At Home
A number of at-home products are available to help clean teeth. The most common is a finger brush designed to help owners scrub their teeth. It is recommended by most veterinarians for owners to provide a daily cleaning. If daily brushing seems too frequent, consider two or three sessions a week.
Use Products Designed to Clean Teeth, but…
From dental chews to edible treats, the pet industry has created all kinds of products to clean teeth, sweeten pet breath, and prevent the need for expensive dental care. Most of these products are effective with preventative care, but should not be considered a replacement for any urgent needs. Pet owners should also be careful to consider the “calorie count” of edible treats.
Why It Matters
The AVMA notes, “Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth. Other health problems found in association with periodontal disease include kidney, liver, and heart muscle changes.” Any living creature in pain begins to interact differently. You may notice irritability or a tendency to isolate. Dogs may whimper and cats might start hiding.
Don’t allow untreated dental problems to change the loving personalities of your companion pets. And, make a concerted effort to improve your dental pet care this February!
Ask Us About Our Teeth Brushing Service!
Keep your pet’s smile bright and healthy during Pet Dental Health Month! Ask us about our teeth brushing service during your next grooming appointment.