February is National Pet Dental Health Month
As we humans know, oral hygiene is very important for our general well-being. So it makes sense that the same would apply for dogs and cats. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some kind of oral disease by the age of 3. February is National Pet Dental Health Month making it a good time to start a dental routine with your pet.
Oral disease can lead to serious consequences for pets including infection, severe pain, and even organ damage. With regular oral health maintenance and check-ups, most of these problems can be avoided. It’s good to start with knowing the warning signs. Warning signs of gum disease are bad breath, red and swollen gums, yellow-brown crusts of tarter along the gum line, and bleeding or pain when the gums or mouth are touched. Pets with developing gingivitis and periodontal diseases often paw at their face or mouth frequently, have excessive drool, and may also exhibit an unwillingness to eat harder foods. Other warning signs are loose teeth, broken teeth, discolored teeth, loss of appetite/poor appetite, and weight loss.
Take this month to check your pet’s oral health, and make sure you know how to care for their teeth. Our next blog post will give you tips on starting a good dental hygiene routine. Always check with your veterinarian about any concerns regarding your pet’s health.