February is Dental Health Month!

February is Dental Health Month!

Good oral care for our patients is always a priority at our hospital, but during the month of February it is an area of pet healthcare we really want to focus on!  Even young animals with minimal tartar and gingivitis benefit from a thorough dental exam, cleaning and x-rays to be proactive in managing their oral health and preventing periodontal disease.   Just as routine dental exams and cleanings are recommended every 6 months for people, our 4-legged family members also benefit from routine dental care.  

Currently, one of the best methods of oral care for your pet is to brush the teeth daily using a soft bristled child's toothbrush (for most sized dogs) or a traveler's proxabrush or finger brush for cats and of course a pet toothpaste (which doesn't contain fluoride)!  Many of the pet toothpastes we carry at the hospital are enzymatic which in addition to the mechanical action of removing plaque with brushing, also helps to reduce bacterial load and the development of tartar.  A high quality dental diet such as Hill's t/d or Royal Canin Dental (both of which are available in small bites for even our littlest companions!) are excellent choices to help reduce tartar and gingivitis in addition to brushing.  In some cases where it is not possible to brush your pet's teeth, dental diets are the next best option for home care.  

We are often asked about dental treats and chews for patients that we think are beneficial.  Our doctors like crunchy Royal Canin Medi-Treats and Greenies for dental treats.  CET chews and Kongs are also great for repetitive chewing action that helps to clean the teeth and add enrichment to your pet's daily routine.  Our doctors do not currently recommend the use of raw bones.  While some dogs seem to get by without any adverse effects after chewing bones, unfortunately there are many that do not!  Splintered pieces of bones can cause gastrointestinal obstructions that may require surgery to remove, can lodge in the back of the throat and cause choking, as well as frequently causing fractured teeth that are painful and then need to be extracted.  Here is a quick tip when you are shopping for dental toys and chews for your pet: "If it's too hard for you to physically bend the treat or toy, it's too hard for your pet's mouth".  So do the "flex test" and make sure it's safe! 

Has one of our veterinarians recently recommended that your pet have a dental exam and treatment? We are happy to announce that during the month of February, all dental patients will receive a special promotional discount off of the regular cost of the dental cleaning and any extractions that may need to be performed during the procedure.  Call to ask us more about this today as we are booking up quickly!