In this month’s newsletter, we will primarily focus on dental healthcare and prevention of dental disease. Just like humans, canines and felines require dental care and exams. Excessive plaque and tartar build up can cause infections and affect their eating habits. Bacteria can get underneath the gum line and into the blood stream; causing heart disease and affecting the liver and kidneys.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), dental disease is the number one health issue in canines/felines over 3 years of age, affecting 80% of canines and 70% of felines. Luckily, we can perform dental cleanings on your fur baby to treat dental issues. Unlike humans, canines/felines require sedation for their dental cleaning. The main reason sedation is required is for the safety of your pet. Pets get nervous and may jerk causing harm because many of the dental tools are sharp. It also allows the doctor and technician to do a more thorough cleaning at the gum line and extract any teeth if needed. There are preventable measures you can take to help prevent dental disease.

Brushing with an approved toothbrush or finger brush along with veterinary approved canine/feline toothpaste can be done on a regular basis. For those canine/felines who may not like brushing, there are treats and special diets that can be given. A veterinary approved dental chew can be given to help reduce plaque buildup. Always make sure you are supervising your pet while chewing to prevent choking. Hills’ prescription diet makes a diet called T/D, which can be given as a regular diet or as a treat.