February 12, 2013

White Dog and every pup in the Army goes through a morning ritual that involves being cuddled in “just me” time, getting checked over for the need of spot grooming or nail trim or ear cleaning…and toof cleaning. We use a gel that gets rubbed over the gums and teeth and has proven to be very effective in removing plaque. This is important to our seniors because the statistics say that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some kind of oral disease by the age of 3. For the White Dog Army it is also crucial because some of the pups are not good candidates for the type of teeth cleaning that requires sedation due to their other medical issues.

This beautiful smile does not come without careful attention to oral hygiene, right Yo?

We mention this because February is National Pet Dental Month and it is important to get the word out.

White Dog found this article in  DogTime and feels the information might help save lives…or at least teeth.

Dental disease is more than just a cosmetic issue — when your canine companion or feline friend has red gums, yellow teeth and stinky breath, it could be a sign of serious oral disease that could, if left untreated, lead to devastating affects on your pet’s quality of life. Neglecting your pet’s teeth and gums can cause chronic pain issues that may even be at the center of certain behavioral problems.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some kind of oral disease by the age of 3.

But never fear, pet owners — February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so now is the perfect time to call your veterinarian and schedule a dental check up for your furry family members.

“We hope National Pet Dental Health Month in February will draw attention to this serious health issue for pets,” said California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) President Dr. Jeff Smith. “Oral disease can lead to serious consequences for pets, including infection, severe pain and even organ damage. With regular oral health maintenance and check-ups, most of these problems can be avoided.”

Caring for your pet’s pearly whites isn’t just a February thing; veterinarians all across the country want to remind pet owners that their pet’s dental health should be a concern all year long.

“Between regular veterinary examinations, pet owners should look for the warning signs of gum disease such as bad breath, red and swollen gums, yellow-brown crusts of tartar along the gum lines, and bleeding or pain when the gums or mouth are touched,” Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. chief veterinary medical officer Dr. Carol McConnell recommends.

Pets with developing gingivitis and periodontal diseases often paw at their face or mouth frequently, have excessive drool, and may exhibit an unwillingness to eat harder foods.

As with many health issues, prevention is always the best medicine. One way you can take a proactive role in preventing oral disease in your pet is by using an important tool that many pet owners neglect to purchase for their four-legged friends: a toothbrush.

“Unfortunately, only about 1 percent of pet owners brush their pets teeth,” explains Academy of Veterinary Dentistry President Dr. Brook A. Niemic.

A soft-bristled toothbrush should be used to clean your pet’s teeth daily to remove any food particles and prevent the build up of tartar and plaque deposits. Make sure to only use toothpaste that is specially formulated for use on pets.

Overall health begins with a good diet, but did you know that many dental health issues are caused by malnutrition? Work with your veterinarian to address your pet’s nutrition and develop a healthy eating plan. Foods with the Veterinary Oral Health Care (VOHC) seal of approval are highly recommended.

Your veterinarian may recommend a professional teeth cleaning for your dog or cat once a year or as needed. Performing a thorough oral exam requires the use of general anesthesia, so your vet will first give Fido or Fluffy a pre-anesthetic exam. Once the anesthesia is administered your pet’s vitals, including respiration, temperature and heart rate, will be monitored while the veterinarian takes dental radiographs and uses instruments to scale and polish your pet’s teeth, removing tartar and plaque build up that could otherwise lead to dental issues. In cases of serious oral disease, your veterinarian may recommend a tooth extraction.

Keeping on top of your pet’s dental health has lasting positive effects — some studies suggest that maintaining oral health can add up to five years to your pet’s life.

Sources: AVMA.org, SacBee.com, CVMA.net