February is Pet Dental Health Month, and to celebrate, Berkley
Animal Clinic is encouraging good oral hygiene with products such
as tartar control food, pet toothbrushes and paste, and dental
cleanings for the months of February and March.

Oral disease is the most common health problem for pets. By the
age of three, approximately 80% of dogs and 75% of cats have
developed periodontal disease. Left untreated, the infection can
lead to tooth decay or tooth loss and can even spread through the
bloodstream and cause kidney, liver, lung and heart problems.
However, it is easily treatable and can be prevented by following
a program of regular veterinary dental exams and a home dental
care routine.

Oral disease begins when plaque – a soft film containing bacteria
– forms on your pet’s teeth. If not removed, the plaque will
harden into tartar. This tartar builds up below the gum line,
causing inflammation of the gum tissue (gingivitis) and the
lining of the tooth socket (periodontitis). Without treatment,
your pet’s teeth can loosen or fall out, and the bacteria can
spread to other parts of the body and cause serious health
problems.

Common signs of oral disease may include yellow-brown tartar near
the gum line, red, swollen or bleeding gums, persistent bad
breath, abnormal drooling, pawing at the mouth, loose or missing
teeth, difficulty eating or loss of appetite.

Use these suggestions to maintain good oral hygiene for your pet:

• Do not feed your pet table scraps. This can increase the formation of plaque and tartar. Dry, crunchy pet food can help clean plaque from teeth. We recommend using Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d as a daily food or treat.
• Train your pet to accept regular brushings at home. You can start the training by rubbing a piece of gauze or a soft cloth across the teeth with your finger. Once your pet has become accustomed to this, specially designed pet toothbrushes and toothpastes are available for purchase at Berkley Animal Clinic. Do not use toothpaste formulated for humans, as it can cause an upset stomach in animals.
• A dental exam should be part of your pet’s regular health checkup. Dental problems can be prevented or treated with regular cleaning and scaling done at the veterinarian’s office. Under general anesthesia, plaque and tartar can be removed from the teeth and also from below the gum line where bacteria can hide.

Your pet is never too old to start a dental care routine. It is an important step in maintaining your pet’s overall health. Call Berkley Animal Clinic today to find out about our special promotion running in the months of February and March!