February is Pet Dental Health Awareness Month

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February is Pet Dental Health Awareness Month

By Jo Singer | February 5, 2010 12:31 PM

Healthy teeth and gums are at the core of the robust physical condition for our pets. To highlight the necessity of maintaining excellent pet dental care, the month of February has been set aside as National Pet Dental Health Month.

Dental wellness carries the identical importance to our furry companion just as it is to us! Therefore, why not set aside time this month to have your pet's oral fitness checked out by your veterinarian. This is the perfect time for that annual dental examination and cleaning. Sparkling teeth accompanied by fresh breath is a great reward for both pet and owner.

According to Dr. Henry Childers, DVM, the president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, "Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets. 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."

Unhealthy dog mouth
5-Unhealthy Dog Mouth.jpg

Periodontal Disease is one of the most common occurring conditions, especially in our older pets. The disease begins from to accumulation of plaque that forms on the teeth after eating. This is largely responsible for resulting in "stinky breath" which often becomes unbearable. If the buildup of plaque is permitted to continue unchecked, gingivitis results with gums becoming red and inflamed.

Left untreated, gums recede, teeth become unstable with tooth loss and abscess formation occurring. Due to the abundance of bacteria forming on teeth and gums, which is highly accessible to the pets blood stream, internal organs can become infected, which may cause systemic conditions such as kidney failure, liver and heart disease.

Healthy dog mouth
5-Healthy Dog Mouth.jpg

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

1. Red Inflamed gums
2. "Stinky breath"
3. Pawing at the mouth or drooling
4. Hard yellow calculi build up on teeth
5. Facial sensitivity
6. Tooth loss or bleeding gums
7. Poor appetite or unwillingness to eat

If your pet has any of these symptoms arrange an appointment with your vet as quickly as possible to initiate dental care. If serious dental disease is present, your veterinarian may have to extract the decayed teeth. However, it is simply amazing to see how well pets adjust with healthier gums, if this becomes necessary.

So please don't wait until you observe symptoms. Prophylactic dental care is the best preventative measure. Also ask your veterinarian to teach you how keep your pet's teeth clean in between professional visits. Once your pet is accustomed to this essential part of pet care, this simple task is certainly well worth the time you spend performing it.

Do you provide regular dental care to your pets? Leave a comment and share.

Photo credits: myminizoo

RELATED TOPICS: Blogs (262) , Cats (122) , Dental (3) , Dogs (69) , Health (37)

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Vicki February 5, 2010 2:43 PM

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I do have the vet check my dogs teeth. If the vet suggests that their teeth need cleaning, I let them do so. I know how important it is for their dental health.

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