Celebrating Pet Dental Awareness Month at Our Animal Hospital

Did you know that routine pet dental exams are just as important as wellness checkups and vaccinations? This February is pet dental awareness month. To celebrate, our animal hospital is educating pet owners about the importance of pet dental care.

Over time food particles and bacteria will build up along your pets gum line. Without regular cleanings, these deposits can harden into plaque and tartar, pushing away the gum line and creating pockets that are susceptible to bacterial infection.

Good oral health is important at every stage of your pets life. Brushing can start once your pets permanent teeth arrive, and we recommend that your pet receive his first dental exam at the age of one year.

Here are three ways to protect your pets oral health:

Regular pet dentistry appointments are the best way to protect your pets oral health. An annual dental cleaning reduces the risk for gum disease, gingivitis, tooth loss and serious oral bacterial infections. During a dental cleaning, our veterinarian will scrape away tartar build up from your pets gum line and then polish the teeth to resist future plaque deposits.

At-home dental care is the first line of defense against oral health problems. Our veterinarian recommends that pet owners brush their pets teeth at least once every day. If your pet is anxious or nervous around a toothbrush, our veterinarian recommends starting with a small dollop of pet-friendly toothpaste on your finger. Run your finger along your pets gum line and gently massage the gums. This helps your pet acclimate to brushing.

While your pet may love peanut butter, this treat can easily build up along the gum lines. Choose natural healthy treats help freshen your pets breath and rope toys that help floss the teeth by removing plaque.

When was the last time that your pet had a dental exam?