News You Can Use
Pet Dental Month: Periodontal Disease
by Cheyenne Pratt, Technician, Calico Creek Veterinary Clinic
It’ s February, which means its National Pet Dental Health Month again! The American Veterinary Medical Association( AVMA) started this in February, 1993, to educate people about the importance of their pet’ s oral health.
Most dogs and cats will have evidence of periodontal disease( gum disease) as early as 3 years old. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque on the teeth. Plaque is an invisible film of bacteria that builds up on the tooth’ s surface. If left untreated, plaque causes painful inflammation of the gums, damages bone and tissue, and eventually causes tooth loss. The bacteria can also affect the liver, kidneys, and heart. Plaque is not the same as tartar. Tartar is a visible brownish build up that accumulates on the teeth over time.
Periodontal disease is one of the most common issues seen in veterinary medicine. It can be difficult to detect periodontal disease until it has reached an advanced stage because there are usually no outward signs. Your pet’ s teeth may appear clean and white, but there could be issues below the gum line.
Signs of periodontal disease: * Bad breath * Red / irritated / bleeding gums * Loose teeth * Trouble chewing * Decreased appetite * Mouth sensitivity * Excessive drooling * Pawing at the mouth
Being proactive and having a dental routine for your pet will help prevent dental disease. Brushing your pet’ s teeth daily with pet friendly toothpaste will reduce plaque and tartar. You can look online for helpful tips on how to get your pet used to at home brushings. If you are unable to brush their teeth, you could use a dental product that contains enzymes to break down plaque. Even if you brush your pet’ s teeth regularly, they should still have their teeth cleaned yearly by a veterinarian. Your pet’ s oral health plays a big role in their overall health and wellness.
Around The Hydrant:
News You Can Use
Recalls:
Fromm Family Foods of Wisconsin: Recalling one lot of its Bonnihill Farms BeefiBowls Beef Recipe frozen dog food, due to potential plastic contamination. Info: 1-800-325-6331.( 12 / 3 / 25)
Raw Bistro Pet Fare of Cannon Falls, Minnesota: Recalling select lots of its Grass-Fed Beef Entrée frozen dog food, because of possible contamination with Salmonella. Info: 507-291-3153.( 10 / 10 / 25)
Foodynamics of Wisconsin- Recalling Raw Dog Barkery, BellePepper Cats, and Kanu Pets brands- Chicken Hearts and Chicken Heart Slices freezedried treats, because of potential Salmonella contamination. Info: 262-421-5339.( 10 / 9 / 25)
Buy Bones Inc. of Mount Morris, Michigan: Nature ' s Own Pet Chews Bully Bites, due to possible Salmonella contamination. Info: 810-687-2106.( 10 / 7 / 25)
Arrow Reliance Inc. of Washington, DC: Recalling two lots of Darwin ' s Natural Pet Products Bio-Logics All-Natural and Grain-Free Beef Recipe Dog Food, due to Salmonella and Listeria contamination. Info: 877-738-6325.( 9 / 24 / 25)
Blue Ridge Beef, Virginia: Recalling its Blue Ridge Puppy Mix 2 pound logs and Blue Ridge Beef Kitten Mix, due to contamination of Salmonella and Listeria. Info: 704-873-2072.( 4 / 1 // 25)
Source: dogfoodadvisor. com, amva. org
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