Does Your Dog Need a Breath Mint; Cat Need a Whitener?

Does Your Dog Need a Breath Mint; Cat Need a Whitener?

National Pet Dental Health Month Puts Focus on Good Oral Care

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- If your pet's breath knocks you over or its teeth no longer resemble pearly whites, you may be seeing signs of dental disease -- a problem that could lead to life-threatening health issues. Just like people, dogs and cats need daily dental care and routine, professional check-ups and cleaning to keep their mouths healthy. The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) reminds us that February is National Pet Dental Health Month, and an appointment to have your pet's oral health evaluated by a veterinarian is recommended for all pet owners.

Gum or periodontal disease is currently the number one diagnosed health problem in dogs and cats over age 3. CVMA President Ron Faoro, DVM says without dental check-ups, pets' problems often go unnoticed by owners. "It's difficult to recognize signs of oral health problems because cats and dogs often stick to their normal routines, including eating, even though they are in pain. However, constant or unusually bad breath, as well as yellowing teeth, should serve as a warning that the animal needs evaluation by a veterinary professional."

Melissa A. Gates, DVM of Cordova Veterinary Hospital in Rancho Cordova, California, is one of those professionals. Early in her career, she pursued her particular interest in pet oral care and has been practicing advanced animal dentistry for many years. "What I hear from owners the most is how their pets feel so much better after their dental health is restored," explains Gates. She tells the story of an older dog whose owners blamed advanced age as the reason for his inactivity and unsocial behavior. "They told me he just didn't want to do much anymore. In fact, the dog had chronic dental disease. Once his problems were taken care of, he felt better and returned to bouncing around the house as well as eating and sleeping well."

For a 7-year-old Maltese with advanced dental disease, Gates needed to extract 35 teeth. Tooth discoloration and breath with a putrid odor, two signs of dental disease, were present. However, Gates cautions that both dogs and cats need dental attention as part of their wellness routine, not just in response to an obvious problem. "Professional cleaning and care could have saved these pets from losing teeth and having the pain and damage that chronic infections cause." With cats, a condition similar to human cavities can eat away at teeth causing gum inflammation and, eventually, tooth loss. While owners may notice cats deliberately chewing on hard objects, pawing their mouths or dropping food while eating -- all signs of dental disease -- many pets will show no symptoms.

"Since they aren't going to tell us, the only way to know our pets are healthy and pain free is to have them evaluated by a veterinarian," urges Gates. "A licensed professional will know what steps need to be taken to reverse problems and help you establish a preventative home care routine." Many pets, especially those without a daily brushing routine, need to have their teeth cleaned to rid the plaque buildup that causes dental disease. Owners often are surprised by the cost, which can start around $300 for a routine check-up and cleaning. But a pet's dental care includes blood work and anesthesia to ensure the animal's health as well as the veterinary professional's safety. "We humans can be awake and stay still as someone with a drill puts their hands in our mouths," says Gates, "but pets will not tolerate that. And if someone is cleaning your pet's teeth without anesthesia, they aren't doing a thorough job."

Gates acknowledges daily brushing may take a little getting used to for pets, but she's quick to point out that they allow their owners to brush their coats and use electric clippers on them. "With patience, proper handling and a little behavior modification, daily teeth brushing should not be a problem and may even be fun for both of you."

For media interviews with a California veterinarian regarding this issue, please contact Phil Boerner at the CVMA: 916-649-0599. To access past CVMA press releases, visit the CVMA Media Center in the News Room at www.cvma.net.

The California Veterinary Medical Association is the largest state veterinary medical association in the United States, with more than 5,600 members. Founded in 1888, its mission is to serve its membership and community through innovative leadership and to improve animal and human health in an ethically and socially responsible manner.

Source: California Veterinary Medical Association

CONTACT: Phil Boerner of California Veterinary Medical Association,
+1-916-649-0599

Web site: http://www.cvma.net/

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