**Peace of Mind Veterinary Care is offering 10% off dental cleanings in the month of February**
Do I really need to brush my pets teeth? The answer is YES!
Periodontal disease is a very common issue in pets - even though it is preventable! Other than bad breath, it is very hard for an owner to determine how bad the disease in the pets mouth really is. This is why it is important to get annual check ups for your pets so that the veterinarian can assess the level of disease in the mouth, among other things. Many people don't realize the importance of dental health in animals, so we are here to help educate you!
Periodontal disease includes inflammation of the gums, and also bone and tissue loss. Teeth are like icebergs in that 60% of the tooth is below the gum line. This is why we include full mouth x-rays in our dental bundles. A COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment) is performed during this time. This allows for the veterinarian to gather a diagnosis and treatment plan for your animal. Every pet should have a COHAT done at some point in their lives. Studies have shown that dogs with signs of periodontal disease can be associated with other health problems, which include: heart, liver, or kidney damage, and poor control of diabetes mellitus. It is always better to be safe than sorry and go get your pet's teeth checked! Also make sure to keep a keen eye on your pet in case they start eating less, show signs of pain in the mouth, or if their breath starts to have a foul odor.
At home care consists of daily brushing (at a minimum of 4 times per week) to be effective. Daily is best, especially if you can get your dog into a routine- it will make both of your lives easier. *Make sure to use cat/dog friendly toothpaste as fluoride in human toothpaste is toxic to them* It might be helpful to research which breeds are predisposed to dental issues to see if your pet might need some extra care. Here is a quote from LifeLearn, an informational resource used by veterinarians everywhere (free for you to use with the link at the top of our website), that breaks down the key steps in promoting oral health in our pets:
- Reduce and control plaque. Plaque is the root cause of periodontal disease in dogs.
- Match plaque control techniques to meet the needs of the individual dog.
- Feed a nutrient profile with an appropriate texture to contribute to oral health.
- Stay ahead of plaque accumulation and schedule professional periodontal therapy as recommended by your veterinarian.
In addition to daily brushing, the use of other dental health products can aid in maintaining a healthy mouth. CLICK HERE to view VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) approved products for your pet. Other good products include OraVet chews, which can be purchased at the clinic. C.E.T. chews are rawhide like chews that have enzymes in them that help break down bacteria that lives within plaque. These can be given as part of your daily routine. TIP: Give the rawhide chews as a reward after brushing their teeth! A happy mouth equals a happy pet!