February is National Pet Dental Health Month ! 

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Pets need dental care too. They need regular, professional care from your veterinarian and daily home care from you to keep your pet healthy. Ignoring your pets dental needs  can lead to peridontal disease, loss of teeth and other serious health issues, such as heart, liver and kidney failure.  All pets are at risk for developing dental problems. Some signs of periodontal disease include bad  breath, yellow/brown substance on teeth, bleeding gums, tooth loss, drooling, change of  chewing or eating habits. The earliest sign is inflammation (redness or swelling) of the gums.

Dental plaque and the pet's reaction to plaque bacteria are the primary causes of periodontal disease. Dental plaque causes infection, so periodontal disease is considered a bacterial infection. Dental plaque is the soft  material  that is on the surface of the teeth. It can be brushed off teeth, but when it hardens into tarter, it requires professional care to remove. This affects about 70% of cats and 80% of dogs by three years of age.

A dental procedure is called a prophylaxis or a "prophy." The procedure consists of scaling (removing disease causing bacteria)  and polishing of the teeth. It is performed under anesthesia by a licensed technician and veterinarian. This is recommended at least once a year.  We also recommend having bloodwork performed prior to this procedure to make sure your pet's kidneys and liver are working well enough to metabolize the anesthesia. 

                        Tips to keep your pets teeth and body healthy:

  -  Practice a regular dental care regimen at home.
  -  Include brushing your pet's teeth with specially formulated toothpste
  -  Start early with puppies and kittens. Never use toothpaste for humans. This can cause stomach upset.
  -  Take your pet to your veterinarian for a dental exam. Schedule regular veterinarian checkups.
  - Try Hill's Precription Diet t/d pet food for easy dental care every day. It gently scrubs   

   the teeth clean as  your pet chews. It also provides complete and balanced nutrition for overall  health.

During the month of February, each of our hospitals will be offering a 20% discount on dental services.

Call for information, we are happy to answer any questions that you may have. Please contact us with all your pet care needs.