National Pet Dental Health Month Deserves a Focus in February

February is National Pet Dental Health Month and the staff at New Hope Animal Hospital wants to draw attention to essential pet dental needs. Pet dental exams, teeth cleaning, and check-ups are available to pets in and around Durham and Chapel Hill. Dental issues can go beyond pain and significantly impact other aspects of pet health. Regular veterinary dental exams and care can prevent and address common issues of periodontal disease in pets and prevent tooth loss and decay.

In general, pets who are three years of age or older and have never had a dental checkup have an 85 percent chance of having periodontal disease. Symptoms begin with bad breath and bleeding gums. Not only can the condition cause unnecessary pain, but it can lead to infections that spread to vital organs of the body, including the heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver. An experienced Durham veterinarian can show owners how to keep pets’ teeth clean between visits, as well as providing dental checkups, cleanings and extractions.

Periodontal disease is a common and significant issue for many pets, which occurs when plaque turns into tartar. In such a state, a pet’s immune system may respond with gum inflammation, which can turn into gingivitis and in its advanced stages, periodontal disease. Treatment for advanced periodontal disease may include the extraction of loose or rotten teeth.

To view the full story, please click here.

RELATED NEWS

RESOURCES