February: National Pet Dental Health Month

Is your dog’s breathe worse than the smell coming from your trash can? Does your cat’s kiss on the nose every morning make you want to gag? That odor might signify a serious health risk, with the potential to damage not only your pet's teeth and gums, but its internal organs.

Bad breath is a sign of oral and dental diseases in dogs and cats, but it’s not the only sign. Other signs include:  
• Loose teeth or teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar.
• Your pet shies away from you when you touch the mouth area.
• Drooling or dropping food from the mouth.
• Bleeding from the mouth.
• Loss of appetite or loss of weight (this combination can result from diseases of many organs, and early veterinary examination is important).

If your pet is exhibiting some of these symptoms, they may need some dental work done. Please make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Prevention
Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition in cats and dogs, yet it's completely preventable. So, how do you keep your breath fresh and teeth pearly white? Why, you brush them of course! And, you should be brushing your pet’s teeth as well. Dr. Sheldon Rubin, speaking for the American Veterinary Medical Association, gives easy, step-by-step instructions on how to teach a dog or cat to accept a daily tooth brushing. You can watch it in this YouTube video.

You can also watch this video from Dr. Cindy Charlier, who explains what periodontal disease is, and how we can prevent our pets from getting it.

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Where to get more info?
Below are some additional resources to help you with your pet’s oral health.

1. ASPCA Pet Care Blog: Ten Steps to Your Dog’s Dental Health 
2. ASPCA Pet Care Blog: Ten Steps to Your Cat’s Dental Health
3. AVMA: February is National Pet Dental Health Month
   
4. American Veterinary Dental College: Good oral health is an important part of good general health for your pet
   
5. PetMD: Oral Hygiene and Your Dog’s Health
6. Embrace Pet Insurance Blog: Why do dogs or cats need dental cleanings?