February is National Pet Dental Health Month, but due to high demand, Good Hands Veterinary Hospital will kick off the event now in January by once again offering our clients 20% off our dental packages!
Does your pet have any of the following?
Bad breath
Bleeding gums
Drooling
Tooth Loss
Lethargy
Build up of yellow/brown tartar
Pain when eating
Change in eating habits
Pawing at the mouth
Any or all of these signs can be a sign of dental disease. Oral care will not only help with your pet’s bad breath, but it can improve their general health as well, including their heart, liver and kidneys.
Unchecked teeth can easily develop periodontal disease, which is inflammation of some or all of a tooth’s support. The disease starts as bacteria (plaque) that grows on the surface of the tooth and tissue around the teeth. If this plaque is not removed, it will mineralize and produce calculus. As the plaque ages, it inflames the gum line, causing gingivitis. As plaque and gingivitis further develop, they “eat away” at the ligaments and bone that support the tooth, causing periodontitis (bone loss). More than 85% of dogs and cats older than two have periodontal disease.
What are the signs? Halitosis, or bad breath, is a prime sign. Your pet may also experience the inability to chew hard foods, have bleeding gums, and may start to lose teeth.
Five things you can do to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy are:
1. Limit your pet’s intake of canned food.
2. Feed your pet specially formulated canine and feline dental diets.
3. Give your pet enzymatic oral hygiene chews.
4. Brush your pet’s teeth.
5. Take your pet for yearly physical exams.
Oral hygiene is extremely important for your pet’s overall health. Use this opportunity to take advantage of the special 20% off your pet’s dental cleaning. Make an appointment today to get your pet’s teeth cleaned and avoid health problems associated with oral care. Your pet will thank you with a big smile!
We hope to see you soon!