February is Pet Dental Health Month!
Most people don’t realize that pets require the same dental care that humans do. Not to mention, your pet’s dental health care is a key part of their everyday health and vitality!
First of all, it’s important to understand how dental disease occurs.
1. Plaque builds up on your pet’s teeth.
2. Bacteria in the plaque leads to gum inflammation.
3. The inflamed gums allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
4. Once in the bloodstream, bacteria travels throughout the body and can eventually negatively impact your pet’s vital organs like the heart, liver and kidneys.
5. It also causes gum infections (gingivitis) and gum separation from chronic infection and bone loss (periodontitis disease) which is very painful for your pet.
Signs of oral disease include bad breath, stained teeth, red or inflamed gums, tartar buildup, tooth loss and abnormal drooling.
A few effective ways to manage plaque and bacteria build up include brushing your pet’s teeth, feeding a dental care diet, oral health checkups, as well as comprehensive dental cleanings.
For more information or to schedule an oral health checkup please call Baywood Animal Hospital at (705) 728-5792 or Baywood South Animal Hospital at (705) 725-8577!
Remember, prevention is the best medicine!
