Pet Dental Month
Did you know that February is pet dental month? Yeah, neither did i!?
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 pets.
To educate owners of this, February 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 make 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 cause all this can travel through the bloodstream and eventually damage the major organs.
For all of you owners out there that did not know that dogs having bad teeth as also bad for their health you are not alone. This is relatively new. Dogs are just like you humans when if they or you do not take care of your teeth it can lead to other health problems. Considering us dogs can’t grip onto a tooth brush and many of us don’t like when our teeth get brushed (me included) it is up to you owners to make sure your dogs teeth are in good health. A tip is to start brushing your dog’s teeth as early as possible. Just like with nail trims, your dogs will get used to the routine.
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/february-is-pet-dental-month-2/page1.aspx
Tags: dog boarding, dog daycare, dog kennels
