Regular Dental Care is Essential to Your Pet’s Overall Good Health

Did you know that poor dental hygiene may put your pet’s health at risk for greater health problems such as periodontitis or heart disease? Left untreated periodontal disease can spread to other parts of the body such as the brain, the heart, and abdominal organs. Therefore, an annual exam, including a dental exam, can help detect hidden health problems before they become more serious.

How to Determine if Your Pet Needs Oral Care

Periodontal disease is the most common preventable disease affecting dogs and cats. Pets over the age of three already have some level of periodontal disease, but the severity of disease depends on age, genetics, and at-home oral care. The most common signs that owners notice include bad breath, swelling of the face, and discomfort when eating, but most owners don’t recognize when their pet needs a dental. Here are the warning signs that dental disease may already be underway:

• Red swollen gums
• Bad breath (similar to the smell of a rotten egg)
• Teeth that are broken, loose, discolored or covered in tartar
• Abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Shying away from you when you touch the mouth area
• Frequent pawing or rubbing at the face and/or mouth
• Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
• Weight loss

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important that you reach out to your family veterinarian to schedule an appointment right away.

You Scheduled a Dental Appointment—What’s Next?

A dental cleaning may be recommended to remove tartar buildup and to assess the complete health of each tooth. This is generally performed under general anesthesia and will include a comprehensive oral examination, dental radiographs, scaling and polishing. In some cases, it is necessary to extract teeth that are diseased or broken. Your veterinarian will make this recommendation based on the oral examination and dental radiographs.

After the dental cleaning, your veterinarian will also show you how to brush your pet’s teeth in between exams. Brushing is the single most effective thing you can do to keep your pet’s teeth healthy between dental cleanings.

February Is National Pet Dental Month

February has been designated National Pet Dental Month by the American Veterinary Medical Society and the American Veterinary Dental Society in an effort to raise awareness on the importance of good oral health for your pets.

As part of the monthlong celebration, Bothell Pet Hospital will be sharing goodie bags with all dental customers. To schedule an appointment for a dental cleaning, please call (425) 486-3251 or email info@bothellpethospital.com. For more information about National Pet Dental Health Month, please visit the AVMA.