When it comes to showing our pets how much we love them, many of us will go to great lengths to make sure they are happy and healthy. However, when you are constantly turning your head away when Charlie comes up to give you a hundred kisses after a long day of separation, Charlie isn’t getting all the love and there may be an underlying health problem. You see, Charlie’s bad breath can be the result of bad dental hygiene and the beginning stage of dental disease. Yes. You read that correctly. Dogs and cats need their teeth brushed daily in addition to a regular dental cleaning just like humans.
February is National Pet Dental Health Month. Here are some tips I have put together to help you learn more about pet dental health and how a few simple steps each day can help improve your pet’s overall health and happiness...especially when more kisses are involved!
TIP #1 - ASK ME QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR PET’S DENTAL HEALTH
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you notice something different or unusual such as bad breath, bring it up during the next visit you have with me. Bad breath can be due to a few different causes. However, it is also a huge indicator that your furry friend’s mouth may need some attention.
According to the American Veterinary Dental College, there are a few other indicators that your pet may have dental disease.
-Bad breath
-Loose or discolored teeth or teeth covered in tartar
-Your pet is not comfortable with you touching within the mouth area
-Drooling or dropping food from the mouth
-Bleeding from the mouth
-Loss of appetite or loss of weight
If dental/oral disease is not caught in time, it can put your pet’s health at risk. Just like humans, bad bacteria in the animal’s mouth can get into their bloodstream and eventually find its way to major organs like the lungs, heart, and kidney. This bacteria has been known to cause major infections and even death.
TIP #2 - BEGIN A DAILY DENTAL HEALTH ROUTINE
However, if you are willing to put together a daily dental health routine, you may be able to greatly improve and maintain your pet’s oral health. You can feed your pet specially formulated food that helps remove tartar and plaque build-up. Using special toothpaste made for pets, you can also brush your pet’s teeth. Who wouldn’t love peanut butter flavored toothpaste? There are also non-toxic chew toys on the market to help with dental health. They also give your pet an outlet and a little play time. It is also important that you are checking your dog or cat’s mouth each day for any of the indicator’s above for dental disease.
If you are interested in creating a routine for your pet, but you just don’t know where to get started, then let me or my staff know the next time you are in the office. I am full of ideas and can help you get started with planning the routine that is right for your furry family member.
TIP #3 - SCHEDULE YOUR PET’S DENTAL CLEANING TODAY!
Just like yourself, your pet needs a regular dental check-up and exam. During the exam, it may be necessary for your pet to have his or her teeth cleaned in order to improve the state of their oral health. My staff at The Vet Clinic, Inc. and myself are well trained in pet dental care. In fact, The Vet Clinic, Inc. has the same setup as a dental office, and we follow the American Animal Hospital Association’s Oral Healthcare Guidelines to provide your pet the best possible dental care.
Even though February is National Pet Dental Health Month, it is important to take care of your pet’s oral health each and every day. Are you ready to get your furry friend’s dental care started? Give The Vet Clinic, Inc. a call today at (870) 425-0035 to schedule an appointment. Because each pet is different and unique in their own special way, a designated appointment is best and will give you time to ask me questions. For more information, you can visit AAHA's website to view Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.
