Dental Health for Pets Month
By: Jo Singer
One of the most important aspects to maintain a healthy pet is regular dental care.
National Pet Dental Health is featured during the month of February. Among the Veterinary organizations sponsoring this annual event, promoting the need for regular oral pet care, are the American Veterinary Medical Association, (AVMA), Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, The American Veterinary Dental Society, (AVDS), Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians, The American Veterinary Dental College and the Veterinary Oral Health Council.
AVDS reports that by the age of three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease. Basic symptoms which may indicate oral disease are changes in a pet's eating habits, difficulty chewing, bad breath, pawing at the mouth, and may even include depression.
While daily tooth brushing is recommended by veterinarians to maintain robust dental health, apparently only 2% of owners actually perform this task. Rather shocking to me, was the information AVDS included in their report; that 65% of dogs who already display stage one periodontal disease are not treated, as veterinary health teams fail to recommend necessary treatment options which include dental exams, which include dental x-rays and prophylaxis. One would think that stressing the need for dental care would be the first line preventative measure, ensuring excellent all around health for pets.
Dr. James Cook, president of the AVMA cautions pet owners, in light of our difficult economy today, to not skimp on regular veterinary care. He said, "Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets. Twice-a-year checkups, including an oral health checkup, are important to ensure your pet is not in pain and is not suffering from serious oral health problems.
Besides causing receding gums and tooth loss, bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream, potentially infecting the heart, liver and kidneys, which can be potentially life threatening. Just as the public has come to realize that their own oral health is linked to their overall health, veterinarians want people to understand that dental health care is essential to maintaining the overall health and well-being of the family pet."
Veterinarian at Shoreline Veterinary Dental Clinic in Seattle, Wa., adds, "The expenses associated with professional dental treatment may be significant; however, if this preventive care is not done, the cost to the owner may well be much higher in diagnostics and management of dental disease" She strongly advises that pet owners make dental care a priority in their general overall home care of their animals to prevent tooth decay.
Your veterinarian will be able to teach you how to care for your pet's teeth at home, and how to include it in your daily pet care routine. Along with your yearly veterinary physical examination reminders, your vet should be including dental exams and checkups so your pet's oral health is monitored on a regular basis.
Of course at the first sign of any dental problems, you should immediately consult with your vet. Catching any symptoms quickly can lessen the possibility of serious conditions developing which may not only be dangerous for your pet's overall health, but to also to avoid overwhelming veterinary costs.
My pets are now protected through a pet health insurance plan which covers annual dental exams and cleaning. Most companies stress the importance of this aspect of pet care, and support pet owners who take dental health to heart.
In conjunction with the training you receive from your veterinarian, watch this informative and helpful video about how to brush your pet's teeth.
How comfortable are you with brushing your pet's teeth? Were you nervous at first? Leave a comment and let us know.
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Comments (3)
Anonymous February 18, 2009 3:28 PM
I know it is a good idea to brush your pets teeth, but I usually let my vet do a thorough cleaning whenever they suggest it. I don't think I have that much patience.
Anonymous February 20, 2009 10:45 AM
That's a cool dog, dawg.
Anonymous February 24, 2009 5:35 AM
Excellent video I do try and brush my Papillon's teeth on a daily basis but only for about 1 minute at the most. Loved the photos of the vet's family on the shelf behind him. What a lovely vet and what good advice about brushing your pets teeth I will now try and do it for longer.
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