Welcome February and Dental Month.
According to the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health, and dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems. Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian to check for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.
Many times we have a pet present for what the pet owner thinks is a lump on the face, when in fact it is an infected tooth!
You can watch and observe your pet for any of the following symptoms indicating dental problems:
- Bad breath (usually like the smell of a dead animal!)
- Broken or loose teeth
- Yellow or brown color on your pet’s teeth, especially at the gum line.
- Decreased appetite, or not eating at all.
- Facial swelling, pain or bleeding
Remember your pet can’t tell us where it hurts, so the more you can tell us, the easier we can pinpoint the problem and help your pet feel their best!
