February is National Pet Dental Health Month

This article is from PetsMart:

Find out why good dental care is important to your pet.

Dental plaque, which is composed of bacteria, saliva, and cellular debris, builds up on the enamel of the teeth. When plaque accumulates with food particles, it becomes hard, thick, and yellow--or calcified--and is called tartar.

Tartar becomes evident on many Pets' teeth by the time they're 2 to 3 years old. If it's not removed, tartar causes red, inflamed, infected, and painful gums (gingivitis); bad breath (halitosis); cavities; and periodontal (gum) disease, which leads to pain and tooth loss. The bacterial infection can also spread through the bloodstream to other organs in the body, including the heart and kidneys, and can shorten your Pet's life.

Be sure to seek care for your Pet if you notice any of these signs of dental disease:

* Bad breath
* Decreased appetite
* Weight loss
* Yellow teeth
* Red or swollen gums
* Missing teeth
* Nasal discharge
* Tearing or swelling below one eye

Preventive Care:

Good preventive care begins with attention to these basics:

* Food. Feeding your Pet a firm, kibbled, premium Pet food is an easy way to help slow down plaque formation through a mechanical, abrasive action. Special "foods" such as Pedigree Dentabones®, have been specially designed to help keep teeth clean.

* Chew Toys. Appropriate chew toys are another fun and easy way to prevent tartar. Numerous products are available--consult your veterinarian about the best products for your Pet.

* Brushing Teeth. One of the best ways to prevent tartar is to brush your Pet's teeth. Yes, this is possible--especially if you make it a fun experience early in life--and brushing can be an enjoyable part of your Pet's healthcare routine. Your veterinarian can show you how to brush your Pet's teeth and can recommend toothbrushes, toothpastes, and mouth rinses that are made especially for Pets.

* Exams and Cleanings. Your Pet needs regular dental exams and professional cleanings just like you do. Frequency of cleanings depends on each Pet's individual needs, so be sure to consult your veterinarian at least once every six months. If you notice bad breath or other signs of dental disease, call for an appointment with your veterinarian immediately.

Remember, prevention is the best cure! See your veterinarian regularly, and offer your Pet good dental care at home.

Authored and edited by Brent Carroll, DVM

Did You Know...

Dogs and cats lose baby teeth just like people do. Puppies have 28 temporary teeth that erupt at 3 to 4 weeks of age. They lose these teeth at about 4 months when their 42 permanent teeth begin to emerge. Kittens have 26 temporary teeth that erupt 2 to 3 weeks after they're born. Their 30 permanent teeth start emerging at 3 to 4 months of age.

...here I am showing you that I lost my baby teeth. It is visible especially upfront! It's very hard to eat without teeth, while the gums and the new teeth emerging are bothersome. That's why I like to chew or nibble anything I see. My gums are healthy though! Thanks to my Momma for patiently brushing my teeth even if I bite her.

Did you missed my long and pinky tongue? Here I am showing you again! :-)

Some dogs wear braces. Braces can help correct a dog's bite problems and ensure that its mouth opens and closes correctly. Orthodontics work can range from adjusting just a few teeth to applying a full set of braces.

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Did you notice, yours truly looked good today? That is because I just had my haircut/grooming done! Thanks to Melissa for her patience! She did great cutting those bothersome hair around my eyes and paws. She also cut my nails and brushed my teeth real good. She also pulled the hairs that grow inside my ear. This time they did more than my first visit which is more on introducing me to the noise, the scissors and cleaning stuff. After that, they give me a real good bath and moisturized my hair and skin. She also put 2 red bows on my hair, so I looked pretty when presented to Moma and Dada.

I wasn't picked up until almost 2PM. I was ready before noon and I felt so tired. I never had breakfast yet and I've been holding up my personal necessity.

I actually fell asleep on our way home. That whole routine made me sooo tired and sleepy.I guess those ear plucking stressed me out!

At home!

I really am so tired! I got to go! until next time!