Combating Doggy Breath – National Pet Dental Health Month

February is National Pet Dental Health Month. Believe it or not, a lot of pet owners still believe that “doggy breath” (aka bad breath in dogs or cats) is just a fact of life. In fact, a bad mouth odor from your pet may be the sign of a serious health problem, affecting not only your pet’s teeth and gums but its internal organs as well.

Periodontal disease, or gingivitis, is the most common side effect of poor dental health in pets. Inflamed gums are not only uncomfortable, they’re very common in pets. It’s estimated that by the age of two, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease, meaning that the gums of their month exhibit some inflammation. The vast majority of pets show signs of plaque buildup and/or discomfort in the gums caused by periodontal disease.

Although a gum infection doesn’t sound serious, the problem can escalate quickly into painful infections of the mouth (leading to weight loss and malnutrition of pets) and, in severe cases, in the release of bacteria into the animal’s body, which can cause diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease. Ouch!

Just like humans, cats and dogs require regular dental care, including checkups from the veterinarian, a proper diet, professional cleaning and yes, even daily tooth brushing. If you’re worried about your pet’s teeth, here are some great tips to get you started on the way to a pearly canine or feline teeth:

1. The first step to ensuring your pet’s dental health is a visit to the veterinarian. He or she can assess the status of your pet’s teeth and give you advice for the best steps to combat periodontal disease.
2. The second step is preventative – ensuring that your dog or cat has regular home care to prevent gum infections. This step usually includes regular brushing with a dental brush and special pet-friendly tooth paste, and feeding him or her dental-friendly treats which encourage pets to chew their tartar buildup away.
3. The third step is professional cleaning by your veterinarian. Just like scaling and polishing at the dentist, this gives your veterinarian the opportunity to thoroughly clean your pet’s teeth of all plaque build-up, under general anesthesia so that your pet doesn’t experience any discomfort. Veterinarians may also apply fluoride or sealing treatments to strengthen teeth and prevent damage, and may identify teeth that should be extracted.

Proper pet dental health not only ensures your cat or dog’s teeth remain strong and healthy, they also help contribute to avoiding serious diseases and ensuring your pet’s long life. This month, Weare Animal Hospital is happy to support National Dental Health Month by offering 10% off dental cleaning and a free toothbrush and sample toothpaste! Contact us to book your pet’s appointment today.