Doggie Dental Month

Doggie Dental Month

SMILE …February is Dental Health month in the veterinary world.   That’s right, it is time for your family pet to go to your local vet for their annual teeth cleaning. 

According to the American Veterinary Association;  Oral Disease is the most frequent diagnosed health problem in our pets.    

Just like humans, animals also experience tooth aches, plaque, cavities, and sore gums.   And for that stinky breath, guess what?  Yes, it is usually the beginning stages of oral disease.   By definition, oral disease is a build up of bacteria in the mouth.  Bacteria, combines with saliva and food debris between the tooth and gum, can cause plaque formulations that accumulate on the tooth.  As bacteria grow in the plaque and as the salts are depleted, plaque turns to tartar.   Now with that said,  take a peak in your dog or cat’s mouth.  See that dark stuff around your pet’s gum.  Yes..that’s tartar. 

I reached out to Dr. Tracie Fountas, owner/operator and Veternarian at River Road Veterinary Hosptial in Andover, MA to answer a few more questions regarding our animals oral health:

Why is maintaining an animal’s dental hygiene important?

*Dr Fountas:  Here is a scary fact...According to the AVDS (American Veterinary Dental Society) 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have periodontal disease by the age of 3! If left untreated this can lead to oral pain, tooth loss, and other systemic complications such as heart, kidney and pulmonary (lung) to name a few.  

What is something an owner can do at home to keep up a routine?

*Dr. Fountas:  Pets should have their teeth brushed every 24 hours, given appropriate chew toys and have routine oral check ups with their veterinarian.  Specifically formulated diets area available and scientifically proven to reduce dental disease.  A VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal will be noted on products that that meet defined standards for plaque and tartar control in dogs and cats. 

 What are some of the warning  signs that an animal may be having a tooth problem?

*Dr. Fountas:  Bad breath, change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face or mouth, tartar on the teeth, red inflamed gums and broken teeth.

       Dr Fountas also mentioned that periodontal disease is the most common disease they see in dogs and cats.  It is also one of the easiest to prevent. Brushing your pet's teeth daily, appropriate chew toys and treats and regular dental exams by you veterinarian can significantly improve your pet's oral health.  During the month of February if you schedule an appointment at River Road to have your pet’s teeth clean they will go home with a wonderful dental home care kit from the canine & kitty tooth fairy which includes a tooth brush, tooth paste, a sample of dental treats and information regarding the importance of proper oral care.    

        This will also be published in the February issue of the Valley Patriot 

        Hope you enjoy !   Tracey