The Gentle Vet is passionate about keeping your pets happy and healthy. February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so now is the perfect opportunity to go over why dental health is so important for your pets. It's also a great time to make that appointment, as availabilities might be hard to find once February hits.
Dental health is an important, yet regularly overlooked, aspect of your pet’s overall well-being. Regular exams and cleanings by a veterinarian help ensure your pet remains healthy and happy.
Signs and symptoms of dental health issues in your pet:
- Bad breath
- Excessive drooling
- Discolored (e.g., yellow or brown) teeth
- Red, swollen gums
- Blood on your pet’s chew toys
- Tilting the head to eat or eating on only one side of the mouth
- Dropping food
- Nasal or ocular discharge
- Facial swelling
Complications of poor dental health can affect your pet in many ways, such as:
- Bleeding gums
- Loose or missing teeth
- Abscesses
- Oral tumors
- Organ damage (bacteria can enter the bloodstream, potentially causing problems with the kidneys, heart, and liver)
Products are available to help pet owners keep up with dental health at home, including things to help with daily brushing, dental chews, and prescription diets to help prevent and care for dental problems.
Veterinarians can do a complete dental workup, from exams to blood work, to a full dental cleaning, to address these potential issues.. Cleanings are done safely under anesthesia, which allows the procedure to be thoroughly completed and stress-free for your pet. All dental procedures utilize the same strict monitoring guidelines used in any other surgical procedure where anesthesia is used.
Giving your pet their opportunity to live their best lives means giving them the best care. At The Gentle Vet, we give our best to ensure that you can provide them with all that they need to live long, happy lives, from dental health and beyond.
It's never too late - or too early - to start caring for your pet's dental health. Why wait? Book it today!