February is Pet Dental Month!
At Trenton Pet Hospital, we understand just how important it is to maintain smiles and moments of laughter. We recognize that good dental care is daily dental care. So we specifically designed our dental program to make it easy for our clients to fit their pet’s oral health care into their daily routines.
Our dental products include everything from toothpastes and rinses to chews to Medi-Cal Royal Canin Dental diets. We provide specific products or customized oral hygiene solutions based on your pet’s individual needs.
Starting in January, Trenton Pet Hospital will offer a complimentary dental check up for your pet. Our highly trained assistants will go over complete dental care for your pet, as well as show you how to brush your pet’s teeth, how to keep your pet’s breath fresh and will recommend to you a dental management diet.
1. Facebook Photo Contest for the month of January and February: upload your pet’s healthy smile!
2. Bad breath in a dog is often dismissed simply as “doggy breath.” In fact, it may signal periodontal disease, which is the most common ailment suffered by dogs and cats over 3 years old. Preventing periodontal disease can result in longer, healthier lives for our pets.
To educate owners of this, February 2012 has been designated National Pet Dental Month by the American Veterinary Medical Society, the American Veterinary Dental Society and Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
Unfortunately, dental care is often ignored by owners. One survey notes that just 1 out of 10 owners makes sure their pets’ teeth are cared for. Although dogs and cats rarely get cavities, the plaque and tartar that do form can cause gingivitis and periodontal disease. This can lead to tooth decay, bleeding gums and tooth loss. The bacteria that causes all this can travel through the bloodstream and eventually damage the major organs.
Proper pet dental care begins with a trip to the veterinarian for a dental exam, which should be done once a year. If your Veterinarian sees plaque or tartar buildup, a cleaning may be necessary.
Afterwards, it is very important to begin a home dental program. This is easier done when your pet is very young, so he or she gets used to teeth brushing. Nutritional supplements and specially formulated foods designed to remove tooth buildup is also effective. Look for the “Seal of Acceptance of the Veterinary Oral Health Council” on foods to determine if they meet the defined standards for plaque and tartar control.
