In Time for National Pet Dental Health Month
We all work hard to provide great care for our beloved pets. We feed them, take them on walks, shower them with love, and make sure they get the veterinary care they need; but are we doing all we can to properly care for their teeth? February is National Pet Dental Health Month, and at Longwood Veterinary Center, we want to take the time to share three essential things you should consider when it comes to your pet’s dental health and hygiene.
1– Teeth Cleaning at the Vet’s Office
Dental care for your pet should begin at the vet’s office. Your pet’s teeth should be regularly checked for the presence of harmful dental tartar and disease, and be treated accordingly. Per the American Veterinary Medical Association, by the time your pet is three years old, he or she will likely have some early evidence of periodontal disease, which, in the absence of preventative care, will worsen as your pet grows older.
Periodontal disease begins with plaque that hardens into tartar. Tartar above the gum line can generally be seen and removed effectively; however, plaque and tartar below the gum line can cause serious damage, leading to infection and even damage to the jawbone and surrounding tissues. This is why dental health screenings and regular cleaning is so imperative for your pets.
Our team at Longwood offers top-of-the-line dental services for pets in the Kennett Square area. We have a state-of-the-art dental suite equipped with an ultrasonic scaler, drilling equipment, and digital x-ray to ensure your pet receives the best possible care. Assisting our veterinarians is a select team of nurses who share a special interest in veterinary dentistry and have taken numerous hours of continuing education related to the topic. These nurses are proficient in charting, scaling and polishing of the teeth, along with capturing high-quality diagnostic dental radiographs. We offer preventative care for your pet at its very best.
2– At-Home Brushing
Another way to provide better pet dental care at home is to incorporate teeth brushing into your pet’s care routine. This may sound difficult, but we assure you that it can be done, and the benefits are invaluable. Keeping your pet’s teeth clean is the single most effective way to ensure their oral health between dental cleanings with your veterinarian. According to the AVMA, daily brushing is ideal, but several times a week is still a great place to start. The trick is to ease them into the process, and let them get used to brushing. As with all other things, patience and training are key.
3– Appropriate Chew Treats
There are lots of treats on the market that are actually designed to help clean your pet’s teeth and promote pet dental health. Look for products that carry the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, which signifies the products have been deemed effective at helping to control plaque and tartar buildup in dogs and cats. Our team at Longwood Veterinary Center recommends Greenies dental treats for cleaning teeth and gums, freshening breath, and adding essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to your pet’s diet.
No matter what, it’s important to be aware that pet dental health matters, and can have a profound impact on the overall wellness of your animal. Our team wants to help you provide the best possible dental care for your pet, so schedule a cleaning appointment today!
For more information on maintaining your pets’ dental health, consider checking out our three-part series of blogs on the process of dental cleaning at Longwood Vet Center.
