February is Pet Dental Health Month

Did you know that February is National Pet Dental Health Month? In celebration we’re covering everything you need to know about oral care for your pet.  
 

Keep reading for quick tips on the dos-and-don’ts of dental care for your pet. Just like we need regular visits to the dentist, so does your pet. We’ve got simple ways you can get started with an at-home dental health routine, and everything you need to know about visiting Advanced Veterinary Care of Olathe for a dental visit.  

At-Home Dental Care for Your Pet

At Advanced Veterinary Care of Olathe we’re committed to doing our part to prevent dental disease with preventive care. For best results preventive care is a team sport that both your veterinarian and you play together. The day-to-day preventative work is done right at home with a few simple modifications to your routine:
 

• Change your pet’s diet to teeth-friendly foods like Science Diet Oral Care.

• Start a daily teeth-brushing routine 

• Avoid giving your pet anything too hard to chew on that could break their teeth such as bones, antlers, bully sticks, etc. If you can’t dig your thumbnail into it, it’s too hard for their teeth.

If you’re nervous about getting your pet to sit still during a teeth-cleaning, don’t stress! The Veterinary Oral Health Council has a list of non-toothbrush oral care products for small animals, including HealthyMouth Anti-Plaque Wipes for dogs, Pettura Oral Care Gel and ProDen PlaqueOff powder. All items on the list are pet-friendly and pre-approved for plaque removal.

Schedule Regular Check-Ups

Did you know improper dental hygiene can lead to other health issues for your pet? Thanks to modern medicine and work from organizations like VOHC and the Veterinary Dental Forum, through preventive dental care we can identify dental issues early on and prevent long-term health problems.

Untreated periodontal disease can results in:
 

• Pain

• Kidney problems

• Liver problems

• Heart problems

Schedule consistent check-ups and alert your veterinarian if you start to notice any of the symptoms below.

Know the Signs of Dental Disease

According to AHAA Dental Care Guidelines, most cats and dogs will develop dental disease by the age of 3. Reach out to us if you observe any of the following symptoms:
 

• Bad breath

• Broken or loose teeth

• Extra teeth or lingering baby teeth

• Teeth that are discolored

• Abnormal eating habits or drooling

• Changes in appetite

• Pain around the mouth

• Bleeding from the mouth

• Swelling in areas surrounding the mouth

• Behavioral changes, these can result from pain

If your pet seems uncomfortable don’t get close to their mouth, they can bite if they feel distressed. Schedule an appointment with us, we can make sure your pet is pain-free and comfortable for an oral exam.

About Dental Procedures

Veterinary dental procedures require anesthesia to keep your pet safe and to do a thorough job.  Dental x-rays, scaling, and polishing all require anesthesia in order to provide the best possible care.  

Time to book a dental appointment for your pet? 

Our team at Advanced Veterinary Care of Olathe is here to help your pet on their lifelong dental health journey. Schedule your appointment today.

Sources:

https://nationaltoday.com/pet-dental-health-month/ 

https://iloveveterinary.com/blog/national-pet-dental-health-month/ 

https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/aaha-guidelines-for-pet-owners/dental-care/

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pet-dental-care