We have all had that moment – our beloved pet wants to get up close and personal and then you catch a whiff of their breath. Sometimes it’s too much to bear.
Fortunately, we can take this moment to celebrate February as National Pet Dental Health Month. The following comes from the American Veterinary Medical Association:
Don’t turn your nose to your pet’s bad breath! That odor might signify a serious health risk. Dental health is a critical part of your pet’s overall health, and dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems.
That’s why the AVMA sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month every February. Take part by learning more about how you can improve the dental (and overall) health of your pets.
- Watch – Home dental care can go a long way toward helping protect your pet against dental disease and related problems. Brush up on home dental care for pets by watching this video, including how to make your dog or cat comfortable with tooth brushing as a regular routine.
Our pets have different needs than we do when it comes to dental procedures. Here’s what to expect when you bring your pet to the veterinarian’s office for a dental cleaning.
Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian for early signs of problems and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.
Have your pet’s teeth checked sooner if you observe any of the following problems: Bad breath, broken or loose teeth, extra teeth or retained baby teeth, teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar, abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth, reduced appetite or refusal to eat, pain in or around the mouth, bleeding from the mouth and/or swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth.
- Read – Learn more about pet dental health, including how to take care of your pet’s teeth year-round, and why anesthesia is important.
Much like us, most of our pets only have one set of adult teeth, so they need to be taken care of to ensure they stay healthy throughout their lifetimes.
