February is National Pet Dental Health Month, sponsored by several veterinary groups in an effort to address the significance of proper oral health care in pets. Sponsors include the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Veterinary Dental Society . According to AVDS, "80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3, often indicated by bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face and mouth, and depression." AVMA President Dr. James Cook warns pet owners trying to save money during this economic depression not to skimp on regular veterinary care for their pets:
"Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets," says Dr. Cook. "Twice-a year check ups, including an oral health checkup, are important to ensure your pet is not in pain and is not suffering from serious oral health problems. Besides causing receding gums and tooth loss, bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the heart, liver and kidneys, which can be potentially life threatening."
Besides taking your pet in for an annual dental examination, a home brushing program will keep your dog healthy and happy. While you can begin this process at any age, starting when your dog is a puppy can make the process easier in the long run. For more information visit http://www.avmatv.org/ or http://www.avma.org/. The website http://www.petdental.com/ also has resources for pet owners on how to provide proper dental care for their pets.
