FEBRUARY IS DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

Your Pet's Oral Health

Dental health is extremely important. Good oral care not only helps to preserve your pet's teeth, but it has a huge influence on your pet's overall health. Tartar on the teeth provides an excellent bed for bacteria to grow. Your pet's immune system is then fighting this bacteria 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If left untreated, eventually this bacteria invades the blood stream. Bacteria can then seed out to many areas of the body such as kidneys, liver, and heart, causing serious infection.

The best way to protect your pet's teeth is to brush them daily or at least every other day. Pet toothpaste can be purchased from you veterinarian or local pet store as it is different than human toothpaste. It does not contain detergents, therefore if your pet swallows it, it won't become sick. Also, it doesn't foam so you don't have to rinse out their mouth. It comes in Flavors: poultry and seafood.

If possible, start brushing your pet's teeth when it is a kitten. Then when the pet is an adult, it will be used to the concept. If your pet is an adult, I still encourage you to try. Just take it slow, be patient, and afterwards offer a reward. It is never worth getting bit so don't push brushing on the pet. Ask your Veterinarian to evaluate your pet's teeth and ask for tips on brushing during your pet's next exam.

-Dr. Sue Marshall, Feline Medical Center, Inc.