February is pet dental health awareness month! It’s a nationally recognized month to alert pet owners about just how important pet oral care is. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 70 percent of cats and 80 percent of dogs have signs of oral disease by the age of three. Unfortunately, a survey taken by American Pet Products Manufacturers Association revealed that only 9 percent of cats and 14 percent of dogs receive dental care by a professional veterinarian. When it comes to our furry friends, many folks just don’t realize that pet dental care is key to maintaining a pet’s overall health. Bacteria from plaque and tartar can get into a pet’s bloodstream; penetrate important organs like the liver and kidney and health issues and even death can result. The most common organs adversely affected by oral disease are the kidneys, heart, liver and lungs. Pet owners can brush up on their four-legged friends’ oral care by taking their pet for a regular dental exam. Plus, they can start an at-home regimen of brushing their pet’s teeth on a regular schedule and giving their pets dental chews.
The signs of pet oral disease include bad breath, discolored teeth drooling, bleeding from the gums, and loss of appetite. Regular pet dental cleanings can prevent, identify and treat oral disease. Most pets are put under anesthesia for a dental cleaning because it is impossible to thoroughly inspect and clean certain areas of their mouth without it. Vets complete a pre-anesthetic exam to ensure that your pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. This exam may include blood tests and urine tests. X-rays are also taken to detect abnormalities that cannot be visualized at the examination. . Vets scale and polish the teeth to remove calculus and plaque from your pet’s teeth. Polishing with special paste is used to smooth out any roughness on your pet’s tooth enamel. Lastly, an anti-plaque substance like fluoride is applies to strengthen the teeth and inhibit the growth of future plaque. Celebrate pet dental health awareness month and schedule a dental cleaning for your pet.
Apple Valley Veterinarians: Your Veterinarian in Plantsville
Apple Valley Veterinarians is your veterinarian in the Southington area committed to your pet’s good health. At our animal hospital in Plantsville, we provide A+ pet dental care, including cleaning and polishing, minor oral surgery, and dental diagnostic exams. We even give pet owners one-on-one lessons for at-home pet tooth brushing. Together, we can keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy. In addition to routine pet dental exams, we offer referral for advanced pet dental services. From endodontics and restorative care to fillings and root canals and prosthetics, our team is here to keep your pet’s oral hygiene optimal.
When was the last time you took a look at your furry friend’s teeth? When was the last time your pet had a dental exam or cleaning? If it’s been a while, call us at 860-628-9635 to schedule an appointment.