Posts Tagged ‘pet dental care’

What does it take to be a responsible pet owner?

Posted in Pet Health, tagged , , , , , , on February 6, 2020| Leave a Comment »

February is Responsible Pet Ownership Monthorange cat beside puppy

 

Being a responsible pet owner isn’t just about following some rules. It’s really about being a loving and caring pet owner. And what better month than February to celebrate love?

Here’s how to be a responsible [loving, caring] pet owner: 

  1. Choose a pet wisely based on your schedule, budget, and living environment. Consider the pet’s physical and behavioral needs.
  2. Discuss the responsibility of pet ownership with a veterinarian as soon as possible after bringing a new pet home.
  3. Establish a preventative health care program for your pet that includes regular checkups, vaccinations, dental care, parasite control, and reproductive options.
  4. Feed a pet food that is appropriate for your pet’s age, nutritional requirements, activity level, and special health needs.
  5. Provide your pet with fresh water at all times, cleaning the bowl daily.
  6. Provide your pet with daily exercise, according to your pet’s age and physical condition.
  7. Spend time with your pet every day to develop a positive human/animal bond and to teach your pet “social skills.”
  8. Begin your pet’s training early, starting with basic house training and proceeding to obedience training when your pet is ready.
  9. Learn how to detect signs of pet illness and always follow the expert advice of your veterinarian.
  10. Obey local ordinances and leash laws. Be a good pet neighbor.
  11. Provide adequate shelter and protection from the elements (think: heat, cold, rain, snow, hailstorms, hurricanes, plagues of locusts.) Are you able to let your pet live indoors with you?
  12. Do not leave your pet in a parked vehicle during the summer.
  13. Have an emergency plan in place that includes your pet, if you ever have to evacuate the area.
  14. Have your pet microchipped with a permanent pet ID, like HomeAgain.
  15. Protect your pet with veterinary pet insurance, so you can make the best medical decisions for your pet, and get help paying vet bills.

Questions? Please Contact Us today!

Tips 1-10 borrowed from Ralston Purina Company, “The Pet Owner’s Checklist,” 1994.

Image by Snapwire via Pexels.com.

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Tooth or Consequences: Why Your Pet Needs Dental Care

Posted in Pet Health, tagged , , , , , on February 21, 2019| Leave a Comment »

Tooth or Consequences: Why Your Pet Needs Dental Care

Why should you care about your pet’s dental health?

Because oral infections are painful, smelly, and costly to treat.

Prevent nasty oral infections with regular tooth brushing — or use a gel like VetzLife — and an oral care water additive.

Dr. Miele, a Norfolk veterinarian at Little Creek Veterinary Clinic, recommends this water additive by Oxyfresh.

Here’s good news you can use: Some pet insurance plans help pay the costs of routine teeth cleaning!

Click image to enlarge — then click again when image opens on new page

Click image to enlarge — then click again when image opens on new page

 

Infographic courtesy of Nationwide Pet Insurance.

 

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You let your pet kiss you with that mouth?

Posted in Pet Health, tagged , , , , , on February 5, 2019| 1 Comment »

Does your pet’s mouth look like this?
If so, she is ready for a teeth cleaning!
(Click photo to enlarge.)

Tartar-encrusted teeth.

Red, sore gums.

Bad breath.

Bacteria galore.

You let your pet kiss you with that mouth?

Okay — we understand: a smooch from our beloved pet is hard to resist.

But when the signs of dental disease start adding up,
it’s time to do some math:
a professional teeth cleaning = healthier mouth and healthier body.

And a veterinary dentist can take Xrays of your pet’s mouth
to check the health of your pet’s tooth roots
and the bone surrounding the roots, also.

Best of all, your pet gets a clean mouth and
fresh breath — the better to kiss you with!

Contact Us to schedule your pet’s
dental exam with Dr. Miele and
learn more about professional
teeth cleaning by a veterinarian.

 

 

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Does your pet have the most common disease found in dogs and cats?

Posted in Pet Health, tagged , , , on February 7, 2017| Leave a Comment »

Dental disease is the most common disease
in dogs and cats.

Does your pet have it?

It’s time to schedule their yearly check-up,
and find out!

It’s that time of year again. Love, hugs and chocolate are on everyone’s mind. For your pet, the first two come out way on top! (Chocolate is a no-no, but you already knew that!)

Dental disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats, affecting 78% of dogs and 68% of cats over the age of three. Although most dogs and cats will develop some sort of dental disease, small dog breeds, such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds and Toy Poodles, are more prone to developing periodontal disease than larger breeds.

If your pet has bad breath, it may mean there is a problem with their teeth and gums. This can also contribute to more severe medical conditions. If dental issues are left untreated, you may put your pet at risk for problems in their mouth (periodontitis) or with internal organs (heart disease). The challenge most pet owners face is that even if their pet’s breath smells fine, some dental issues are hard to spot.

Early preventive measures, such as at-home pet dental care and teeth cleanings by a veterinary dentist will help to reduce the frequency and severity of dental disease later in life. The dentist will perform a comprehensive examination of your pet’s teeth and gums. Just like when you visit your dentist, we use special tools to remove tartar from below the gum line and smooth the surface of each tooth to prevent tartar buildup.

Keeping your pet healthy from toe to tooth shows the world how much you love them. The best way to keep your pet in tiptop shape is to schedule your pet’s yearly checkup with us. We’re committed to your pet’s well being every step of the way. (Because we love them too!)

Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

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Part 2: Why should you care about the bacteria in your pet’s mouth?

Posted in Pet Health, tagged , , , , , , , on February 18, 2016| 1 Comment »

Why should you care about the bacteria in your pet’s mouth?
We have even more answers today.
(See Part I here.)

PetDental_logoPet

Q: What’s the difference between gingivitis and periodontal disease?
A: Gingivitis is reversible and can be treated and prevented with thorough plaque removal and continued plaque control. Periodontal disease is more severe and is irreversible. It may require advanced therapy and thorough plaque control to prevent progression of the disease. Periodontal disease causes red, swollen, tender gums, receding gums, bleeding gums, oral pain and dysfunction and bad breath. Periodontal disease, if left untreated, may lead to tooth loss and systemic health problems affecting the heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs.

Q: Can I reduce the risk of oral disease for my pet?
A: Yes. The good news is that oral disease is primarily preventable. The Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry recommends a three-step program to help prevent oral disease. Take your pet to his or her veterinarian for a dental exam; start a home dental care routine; and take your pet to his or her veterinarian for regular checkups. Research shows that canine gingivitis can be controlled by regular tooth brushing, and that feeding a pet food with proven oral benefits is also helpful in daily plaque control and maintenance of oral health. Your pet is never too old to begin a dental care routine.

Q: Does it matter to my pet’s teeth whether he or she eats hard or soft food?
A: Studies show that hard kibbles are slightly better at keeping plaque from accumulating on the teeth. Hill’s Prescription Diet T/D for dogs and cats has been proven to help remove plaque and tartar. If you think your pet needs a special food, consult his or her veterinarian.

Q: What are the warning signs that my pet has an unhealthy mouth?
A: Some of the common signs of oral disease include bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face, lethargy, and depression. Oral disease causes pain in your pet’s mouth. If you notice any of these signs, take your pet to his or her veterinarian for a dental exam.

Do you have questions about your pet’s oral health? Contact us today.

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Why should you care about the bacteria in your pet’s mouth?

Posted in Pet Health, tagged , , , , , , on February 16, 2016| 1 Comment »

Why should you care about the bacteria in your pet’s mouth?
We have the answers, in this National Pet Dental Health Month special report.

PetDental_logoPet

Q: How do bacteria affect my pet’s mouth?
A: Bacteria play a role in the formation of plaque and tartar. When bacteria combine with saliva and food debris in the channel between the tooth and the gum, plaque forms and accumulates on the tooth. Bacteria continue to grow in the plaque and, as calcium salts are deposited, plaque becomes tartar.

Left: a tartar shell; Right: a molar once covered by the tartar shell (Photo by Jennifer Miele)

Left: a tartar shell; Right: a molar once covered by the tartar shell (Photo by Jennifer Miele)

Q: Is tartar build-up dangerous to my pet?
A: Yes. If tartar is not removed from your pet’s teeth, pockets of pus may appear along the gumline and further separate the tooth from the gum, which allows more food and bacteria to accumulate. Without proper dental treatment, gingivitis — and possibly periodontal disease — may develop.

Tooth model 2 (2)

Click to enlarge

Q: Can bacteria in my pet’s mouth cause other problems?
A: If bacteria build-up in your pet’s mouth causes periodontal disease, systemic health problems that affect the liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs may occur. Oral disease may also affect your pet’s behavior and sociability with others.

Q: How common is oral disease for pets?
A: Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age three. Periodontal disease is a common problem in dogs. Many factors contribute to the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease, including breed, genetics, age, diet, chewing behavior, and systemic health.

On Thursday, we will discuss the difference between gingivitis and periodontal disease. Stay tuned!

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A Healthy Mouth = A Healthy Pet

Posted in Pet Health, tagged , , , , , on February 9, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Welcome to National Pet Dental Health Month!
PetDental_logoPet

A healthy mouth = a healthy pet. 

     “By the age of three, more than half of all cats and dogs are beginning to show signs of a dental problem.” – Hill’s Pet Nutrition

What is periodontal disease?
     It is a disease affecting the tissues that support the teeth and can lead to destruction of the tooth root, gums, and jaw.

What are the precursors to periodontal disease?

  • Plaque – a colorless film containing bacteria
  • Tartar – hardened plaque along the gumline
  • Gingivitis – inflammation of the gums, leading to gum disease and tooth loss

     “Infection associated with periodontal disease can be responsible for bad breath, and bacteria can enter a pet’s blood stream and spread to vital organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys.”  – Hill’s Pet Nutrition

What are contributing factors to periodontal disease?

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Breed – especially among breeds of dogs and cats with small, crowded mouths
  • Age

What signs should I look for at home?

  • Bad breath
  • Bleeding gums
  • Drooling
  • Tooth loss
  • Tartar buildup
  • Pain when eating
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Change of eating habits
  • Subdued behavior

What can I do about it?

  • Schedule your pet to get a dental exam and teeth cleaning from the veterinarian. Some pets may need the services of a veterinary dental specialist. Pets sometimes need root canals, just like people!
  • Clean your pet’s teeth after its meals, using a pet-specific toothpaste or liquid dentifrice.
  • Add Oxyfresh Pet Oral Hygiene Solution to your pet’s drinking water.
  • Feed Prescription Diet t/d to healthy adult pets. Hill’s t/d food is designed to scrub your pet’s teeth as he chews.

*********************************************************************
Information for this article adapted from “Oral Health:  Caring for your pet” by Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Copies of the pamphlet are available at our office.

Repost from February 6, 2012.

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Not sure how to brush your pet’s teeth? We have some helpful hints!

Posted in Pet Health, tagged , , , , on February 20, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Pet dental care

It’s never too late to start brushing your pet’s teeth, but persuading Fluffy and Spike to go along with it can be a challenge. Here are 8 great tips to help you ease your pet into a new part of its daily routine:

  1. Introduce a brushing program gradually: training your pet for this procedure may take several days or weeks.
  2. At first, dip your finger into beef bouillon for a dog or tuna water for cats, and rub your finger over the pet’s mouth and teeth.
  3. Make these initial sessions brief and positive.
  4. Introduce gauze on your finger with the same beef or tuna flavor and begin rubbing the teeth in a circular motion.
  5. Before graduating to a soft-bristle toothbrush, put a small amount of pet toothpaste on your finger and allow your pet to taste it.
  6. Place the toothpaste on the toothbrush and allow your pet to lick the bristles.
  7. Apply a small dab of toothpaste to a moist toothbrush and begin brushing gently at a 45° angle away from the gumline.
  8. Do not use a toothpaste designed for people; it contains ingredients that may upset your pet’s stomach.

     February is National Pet  Dental Health Month.
*****************************************************************
Tips reprinted from the Pet Owner’s Guide to Oral Care, available at our clinic.

This article originally appeared on Feb. 15, 2012.

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What’s happening inside your pet’s mouth?

Posted in Pet Health, tagged , , , , , , on February 7, 2013| 4 Comments »

PetDental_logoPet

Your pet’s mouth may seem like a mysterious cave into which objects disappear and only occasionally come back out. But do you really know what it looks like in there, or what it should look like? 

If your pet is cooperative at home (that is, if you’re not in danger of being bitten) gently pry open his mouth and stare into the gaping maw. Check for evidence of poor dental health:

  • Are any teeth loose, broken, or missing?
  • Are the gums swollen or inflamed?
  • Are there any growths on the gums, lips, roof or floor of the mouth?
  • Do you see pus or blood in the mouth?
  • Are the teeth yellow, brown, or crusted with tartar?
  • Is there a foul odor?
  • Is there fur wrapped around the teeth? (This happens mainly in pets that lick or chew at themselves often.)
  • Has your pet become reluctant to eat, drink cold water, or play with chew toys?
  • Is your pet drooling excessively?
  • Is there a lump beneath one or both eyes (this can signal a carnassial tooth root abscess.)

If you notice any of those signs in your pet, it’s time for a dental checkup.

Click to enlarge.

Click to enlarge.

Good pet dental health begins at home. 
Look for pet-specific toothpaste (human toothpaste is not recommended), gels and liquids meant for cleaning your pet’s mouth after meals.

Regular use of a dentifrice can help delay plaque and tartar buildup and it can help freshen your pet’s breath.  (We like Oxyfresh Oral Hygiene for Pets and VetzLife Oral Care Gel.) 

Also, regularly cleaning your pet’s teeth after meals will allow you to notice any changes in oral health right away.

Choose a dentifrice made for pets.

Choose a dentifrice made for pets.

Left: a calculus shell Right: a molar once covered by the calculus shell (Photo by Jennifer Miele)

Left: a calculus shell Right: a molar once covered by the calculus shell (Photo by Jennifer Miele)

This is the inside of the calculus shell, which was molded to the tooth. (Photo by Jennifer Miele)

This is the inside of the calculus shell, which was molded to the tooth. (Photo by Jennifer Miele)

If your pet is uncooperative at home, schedule a dental exam with the vet, but take note: some pets require sedation for a thorough oral exam.

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February is National Pet Dental Health Month

Posted in Pet Health, tagged , , , , , , , on February 6, 2012| 8 Comments »

Welcome to National Pet Dental Health Month!

A healthy mouth = a healthy pet. 

     “By the age of three, more than half of all cats and dogs are beginning to show signs of a dental problem.” – Hill’s Pet Nutrition

What is periodontal disease?
     It is a disease affecting the tissues that support the teeth and can lead to destruction of the tooth root, gums, and jaw.

What are the precursors to periodontal disease?

  • Plaque – a colorless film containing bacteria
  • Tartar – hardened plaque along the gumline
  • Gingivitis – inflammation of the gums, leading to gum disease and tooth loss

     “Infection associated with periodontal disease can be responsible for bad breath, and bacteria can enter a pet’s blood stream and spread to vital organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys.”  – Hill’s Pet Nutrition

What are contributing factors to periodontal disease?

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Breed – especially among breeds of dogs and cats with small, crowded mouths
  • Age

What signs should I look for at home?

  • Bad breath
  • Bleeding gums
  • Drooling
  • Tooth loss
  • Tartar buildup
  • Pain when eating
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Change of eating habits
  • Subdued behavior

What can I do about it?

  • Schedule your pet to get a dental exam and teeth cleaning from the veterinarian. Some pets may need the services of a veterinary dental specialist. Pets sometimes need root canals, just like people!
  • Clean your pet’s teeth after its meals, using a pet-specific toothpaste or liquid dentifrice.
  • Add Oxyfresh Pet Oral Hygiene Solution to your pet’s drinking water.
  • Feed Prescription Diet t/d to healthy adult pets. Hill’s t/d food is designed to scrub your pet’s teeth as he chews.

*********************************************************************
     Information for this article adapted from “Oral Health:  Caring for your pet” by Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Copies of the pamphlet are available at our office.

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