February is Pet Dental Month

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February is Pet Dental Month

By: Alex Lieber

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Bad breath in a cat is often dismissed simply as "kitty breath." In fact, it may signal periodontal disease, which is the most common ailment suffered by dogs and cats over 3 years old. Preventing periodontal disease can result in longer, healthier lives for pets.

To educate owners of this, February has been designated National Pet Dental Month by the American Veterinary Medical Society, the American Veterinary Dental Society and Hill's Pet Nutrition.

Unfortunately, dental care is often ignored by owners. One survey notes that just 1 out of 10 owners makes sure their pets' teeth are cared for. Although dogs and cats rarely get cavities, the plaque and tartar that do form can cause gingivitis and periodontal disease. This can lead to tooth decay, bleeding gums and tooth loss. The bacteria that causes all this can travel through the bloodstream and eventually damage the major organs.

Proper pet dental care begins with a trip to the veterinarian for a dental exam, which should be done once a year. If your sees plaque or tartar buildup, a cleaning may be necessary.

Afterwards, it is important to begin a home dental program. This is easier done when your pet is very young, so he or she is used to brushing. Nutritional supplements and specially formulated foods designed to remove buildup is also effective. Look for the "Seal of Acceptance of the Veterinary Oral Health Council" on foods to determine if they meet the defined standards for plaque and tartar control.

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1 How to Tell if Your Cat Has Dental Disease
Dental disease, specifically periodontal disease, is the most common ailment affecting cats.
Read More
2 Dental Prophylaxis for Cats
A dental, also sometimes called a "prophy" or prophylaxis, is a professional cleaning and polishing of a cat's teeth. Performed under general anesthesia, a dental prophy is often needed once a year.
Read More
3 How to Brush Your Cat's Teeth
Dental disease (especially periodontal disease) is the most common disease in our feline companions. Fortunately, we can reduce or even prevent dental disease by feeding a crunchy diet and daily tooth...
Read More
4 How to Care for Your Cat's Teeth
Pet care is vital to the overall health of your pet. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 70 percent of cats show oral disease by age three, and it is the most common health problem treated...
Read More
5 Gingivitis in Cats
Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum tissue, which can result in redness and/or swollen gums.
Read More
6 Healthy Teeth Make a Healthy Cat
Preventative dental care is one of the most neglected pet health needs. Yet it’s just as important for pets as it is for people. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about dental care for...
Read More
7 Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the inflammation of the structures that support teeth, and it is caused by bacteria that make up plaque; it's one of the most common infectious diseases in cats.
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1Dental Prophylaxis for Cats
A dental, also sometimes called a "prophy" or prophylaxis, is a professional cleaning and polishing of a cat's teeth. Performed under general anesthesia, a dental prophy is often needed once a year.
Read More
2Gingivitis in Cats
Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum tissue, which can result in redness and/or swollen gums.
Read More
3Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the inflammation of the structures that support teeth, and it is caused by bacteria that make up plaque; it's one of the most common infectious diseases in cats.
Read More
4Healthy Teeth Make a Healthy Cat
Preventative dental care is one of the most neglected pet health needs. Yet it’s just as important for pets as it is for people. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about dental care for...
Read More
5How to Brush Your Cat's Teeth
Dental disease (especially periodontal disease) is the most common disease in our feline companions. Fortunately, we can reduce or even prevent dental disease by feeding a crunchy diet and daily tooth...
Read More
6How to Care for Your Cat's Teeth
Pet care is vital to the overall health of your pet. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 70 percent of cats show oral disease by age three, and it is the most common health problem treated...
Read More
7How to Tell if Your Cat Has Dental Disease
Dental disease, specifically periodontal disease, is the most common ailment affecting cats.
Read More

February is Pet Dental Month

February is Pet Dental Month

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