February is DENTAL MONTH Posted:29-Jan-12 The American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS)
FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL PET
DENTAL MONTH
Have you looked in your pet's mouth lately?
Dental care routine can help prevent oral disease in cats and dogs. Dogs and cats can't brush their teeth. Foul breath and yellow-brown teeth are not only unappealing but they could indicate serious gum disease and that can lead to other health problems. According to research presented at a recent conference on Companion Animal Oral Health, "Periodontal disease affects nearly 80 percent of all cats and dogs over the age of three. It starts as bacteria and plaque on teeth and progresses into a disease that can cause tooth decay, bleeding gums, tooth loss and even damage to the heart and other internal organs, such as heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys." Without proper dental care, 85 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three. In fact, oral disease is the number 1 health problem diagnosed in dogs and cats. The American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) recommends a three-step program to help prevent oral disease:
