Celebrate Your Pet’s Dental Health with Us in February!
During February, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month to turn your attention and ours toward the importance of oral health care for pets. Each February, we like to put extra effort into educating all of our pets’ parents on caring for their pets’ teeth.
Why Is Pet Dental Care So Important?
The health of your pet’s teeth is essential not only to maintain their lovely smile but also their comfort and safety. Poor oral health can lead to problems inside and beyond your pet’s mouth.
How Dental Care Affects Your Pet’s General Health
Periodontal (gum) disease — the same kind that affects humans — is extremely common in both cats and dogs over age three. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums that occurs when plaque and tartar are allowed to build upon a pet’s teeth. This buildup creates pockets between the teeth and gums where bacteria thrive.
Initially, periodontal disease causes problems like:
- Bad breath
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding of the gums
- Tenderness and soreness
- Difficulty eating and drinking
If left unaddressed, the bacteria which causes periodontal disease can spread to a pet’s circulatory system, leading to a systemic infection that damages the pet’s internal organs. Severe cases can be fatal.
How to Care for Your Pet’s Teeth at Home
We recommend brushing your pet’s teeth regularly with specially formulated pet toothpaste and a specially designed pet toothbrush. You can also provide your pet with dental-friendly treats and chew toys.
Professional Dental Care for Pets
During your pet’s annual wellness appointment, our veterinarian will check your pet’s teeth, looking for external signs of gum disease or other dental health concerns. If your pet’s oral health seems to be degrading, we might recommend a professional pet dental cleaning and examination.
With a scaling and polishing to remove tartar buildup, a pet’s dental appointment is similar to a human’s, but pets have dental exams and cleanings under general anesthesia to keep them safe and prevent stress during the appointment. Capital Home Veterinary Care has aligned with several area hospitals to make scheduling easy and stress-free.
Schedule a Dental Exam for Your Pet in February
At Capital Home Veterinary Care in Richmond, we’re proud to provide our pet patients with comprehensive dental care. To schedule an appointment for your pet or learn more about our services, contact us today.