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Don’t forget: Pets need proper dental care, too!
February is National Pet Dental Health Month,
Dental disease is the most commonly diagnosed health problem in dog and cats.
Take a look in your pet’s mouths and check for signs that his or her teeth might be in need of attention.
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, or AVDS, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show symptoms of disease of the teeth and/or gums by age 3.
Signs of dental disease include
- bad breath,
- tooth loss,
- painful or bleeding gums,
- drooling
- and the presence of tartar - a yellow-brown crust - on the teeth.
You might also notice
- a change in eating habits
- a reluctance to eat hard food
- taking longer than usual to eat
- pawing at the face or mouth
- depression
Your pet might refuse to let you look in his mouth if it is painful,
but there might be blood on his chew toys or food and water bowls.
Taking care of your pet’s teeth and gums is important for many reasons.
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