Why Dental Health is Important to Pets
Birmingham Pet Owners - February is Pet Dental Health Month!
Dogs and cats experience the same dental problems as people, including plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to dental disease.
Besides BAD BREATH, dental disease:
- Releases bacteria into the bloodstream
- Increases risk for heart, liver and kidney disease
- Can cause severe pain and problems for your pet
Pets need regular dental cleanings to increase quality and length of life. Regular dental cleanings:
- Allow us to chart periodontal disease over time
- Means less time under anesthesia
- Reduce need for more advanced and expensive treatment in future
- Can add up to 2-4 years to your pet's life
Dental disease is THE most common disease in dogs. Recent studies show that 85% of cats and 92% of dogs over age 3 have periodontal disease. Don't let your pet be a statistic; schedule their dental cleaning appointment today by calling 423-4760 or through your pet portal.
What Happens During My Pet's Dental Cleaning?
During a dental cleaning (sometimes called a prophylaxis), plaque and tartar are removed from a pet's teeth and the health of the entire mouth (tongue, gums, lips, and teeth) is assessed.
A thorough dental cleaning can be accomplished only while the pet is under general anesthesia. The anesthesia we use is safe for animals and your pet is monitored constantly while under anesthesia. Prior to anesthesia, blood tests are performed to help uncover any hidden illnesses.
What Can I Do To Take Care of My Pet's Dental Health at Home?
Dry kibble is better at cleaning the teeth than the alternative canned foods, it is not the best way to prevent tartar build up. In addition, animals don’t chew as thoroughly as humans their instinct is to eat quickly, not to savor each bite.
Chewing on bones or hides can help to clean the teeth, but is still not as thorough as regular brushing. Regular brushing at home is the best way to consistently clean teeth. Pet toothbrushes, pastes, water additives and dental cleaning treats and other dental products can be purchased at Avondale Animal Hospital's online pet supply store.
