Have you looked in your pet's mouth lately?

 

Dogs and cats can't brush their teeth. But foul breath and yellow-brown teeth are not only unappealing, they could indicate a serious gum disease. And that can lead to other health problems.

 

Periodontal disease affects nearly 80 percent of all cats and dogs over the age of three. It starts as bacteria and plaque on teeth and progresses into a disease that can cause tooth decay, bleeding gums, tooth loss and even damage to the heart and other internal organs according to the American Veterinary Dental Society and their spokesperson for the Pets Need Dental Care, Too™ campaign sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the AVDS and Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc."

 

Without proper dental care, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three. In fact, oral disease is the No. 1 health problem diagnosed in dogs and cats. The A VDS recommends a three-step program to help prevent oral disease:

 

Step 1: A dental exam and, if needed, a dental cleaning by your family veterinarian.

Step 2: A home dental care routine that may includes regular brushing, oral sprays, oral gels and nutritious diet.

Step 3: Regular follow-up checkups with your family veterinarian.

 

Now on going for almost a decade the Pets Need Dental Care, Too™ campaign was launched by the AVDS and, Past-President, Dr. Robert Wiggs to raise awareness about pet dental care across the nation and around the world.

 

February is "National Pet Dental Health Month", but taking care of your pet's teeth is year round