Your Pet's Teeth!
February is National Pet Dental Health Month, sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association to highlight that dental disease is a major, yet preventable, health issue in pets. Proper oral care, including professional cleaning and at-home brushing, helps prevent bad breath, tooth loss, and severe systemic infections affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Key Aspects of Pet Dental Health Month:
Why It Matters: Dental disease is a common condition, with many pets exhibiting signs by the age of three. Untreated, it causes pain and can spread bacteria to the organs.
Signs of Trouble: Look for bad breath, broken/loose teeth, discolored teeth, reluctance to eat, and bleeding or swollen gums.
Resources: The AVMA provides tools for owners to manage pet dental health year-round, available at avma.org/petdental.
Preventative Care:
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Brushing: Daily brushing with pet-safe toothpaste is most effective.
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Professional Cleaning: Annual veterinary checkups are essential for deep cleaning and identifying issues under the gumline.
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Diet/Chews: Dental-specific diets and veterinary-approved chews can reduce plaque.
