National Pet Dental Health Month
February is National Pet Dental Health Month! At TLC for Pets Veterinary Hospital we stress the importance of good dental care for our dog and cat patients. Dirty teeth and gums can become infected, and in many pets the infection can quickly spread throughout their body. Keeping your pet's teeth clean is one of the easiest ways of keeping your dog or cat healthy. It may seem like a frustrating process, but it's simpler than you think.
Reisterstown Veterinarian Talks About Dental Care
If you leave your pet's teeth unattended, tartar and plaque can build up, eventually turning into periodontal disease. The bacteria from this disease can spread to your pet's internal organs, causing a wide variety of illnesses. There are five important parts of pet dental health to remember:
- Never ignore your pet's bad breath. A musky odor coming from your pet's mouth can be one of the first signs of periodontal disease. This is an indication that you need to take steps right away.
- Brush your pet's teeth. Our Reisterstown veteriarian will teach you the best way to care for your pet's teeth and gums.
- Keep dental treats at hand. Instead of the usual dog treats as rewards, consider treats designed to scrape tartar from teeth and to promote oral good health.
- Ask our veterinarian team about a dental exam. If your pet hasn't had its teeth examined in over a year, it's time to bring it into our office for a checkup.
- Don't worry about anesthesia. Many pet owners are concerned about letting us administer anesthesia to their pets, but it's the safest and healthiest way to give your dog or cat a thorough tooth cleaning. Your pet will be more comfortable during the procedure, and a complete cleaning will remove any tartar buildup that might be endangering your pet's health.
If you have any questions about your pet's dental health, or if it hasn't had a dental exam in the last year, call our office at (410) 807-3164 for a convenient appointment. We'll make sure your pet's teeth and mouth are healthy, and you'll leave knowing exactly how to care for your dog or cat's dental health with very little stress to your furry family member.