February is National Pet Dental Health Month…but pet dental health should be practiced every month!
January 19, 2017
National Pet Dental Health Month was created to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene for pets.
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, over 85% of dogs and cats show signs of oral disease by the age of four. Just like in people, when food particles and bacteria build up in your pet’s mouth they form plaque and tartar which can lead to gingivitis and gingivitis can lead to periodontal (gum) disease which leads to tooth decay, bad breath, bleeding gums and even tooth loss. Also, just like in people, when bacteria from periodontal disease travels into your pet’s bloodstream, the lungs, heart, kidneys, liver and nervous system can be affected, which if left untreated can have serious consequences on your pet’s health.
Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth is the single most effective thing you can do to keep their teeth and gums healthy. It is recommended that you brush your pet’s teeth everyday, or, at the very least, 3 times per week. Always use toothpaste that is made specifically for pets, never use people toothpaste because it can contain ingredients that may harm your pet.
All pets are at risk for developing dental problems, so it is important for owners to have their pet’s teeth examined every 6 to 12 months by a professional to detect problems early on. Have your pet’s teeth checked sooner if you observe any of the following problems at home:
– bad breath
– broken or loose teeth
– extra teeth or retained baby teeth
– teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
– abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
– reduced appetite or refusal to eat
– pain in or around the mouth
– bleeding from the mouth
– swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth
We will be offering FREE teeth brushing (a $10 value) with every full service groom for the month of February – and you get to keep the toothbrush! Just mention this blog post.
We have a variety of dental treats, toothpastes, oral sprays, water additives and different styles of toothbrushes to help make brushing easier for you and more pleasant for your pet that are all 20% off during the month of February.
Once a month we have SmilePet, a Veterinary supervised non-anesthetic dental cleaning clinic for dogs and cats, come to our Sorrento Valley location.
To learn more about SmilePet and their process visit Dental Clinic