OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Jan. 10, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- February is National Pet Dental Health Month at Blue Valley Animal Hospital. The month, sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), is meant to draw attention to the significance of oral health care for pets. Their goal is to make dental health and hygiene a year-round commitment by pet owners. Good dental health is more important than simply ensuring a pet has nice teeth or pleasant breath. A pet's dental health affects their overall physical health as well.
According to Dr. Brad Spain of Blue Valley Animal Hospital, periodontal disease is a common condition in the dogs and cats he sees in practice. "In regard to dental health, cats, dogs, and humans are very similar. If we do not brush our teeth regularly, then we will develop periodontal disease. It is the same with our pets, but in all cases, it is a completely preventable condition," stated Dr. Spain. "Good oral care at home combined with periodic wellness visits with a qualified veterinarian can work to keep a pet's teeth and gums in excellent shape."
His colleague, Dr. Mary Gardner suggests that pet owners work with their pets to get them to accept at home brushings. "Pets can be trained to accept regular brushings and the earlier the better. Most animals will develop periodontal issues by the time they are just three years old. We commonly think of cats and dogs losing teeth as an issue of old age, but that is not true. Even before tooth loss becomes an issue, bacteria from the mouth can travel elsewhere in the body and negatively affect the organs of the pet."
Drs. Spain and Gardner urge pet owners to be on the lookout for signs of dental disease, such as drooling, dropping food, difficulty eating due to pain in the mouth, and evidence of bleeding gums or lost teeth. At each pet check-up, the doctors at Blue Valley Animal Hospital will check the animal's teeth and gums. They will discuss the pet's oral health and offer suggestions for at home treatment including brushing, special dental treats, and rinses. If the pet exhibits signs of periodontal disease, a pet dental cleaning performed under anesthesia may be recommended to slow the progression of the disease.
Blue Valley Animal Hospital serves Overland Park, Leawood, and Stillwell. The hospital is located at 16200 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66085 and is open from 7 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, and 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturdays. The hospital is open on Sundays from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM for boarding only.