Just like people, pets need to be checked yearly for dental issues. Often, dental exams

identify the root of underlying problems and might end your pet’s silent pain.

It is convenient for our clients to schedule their pet’s dental exam during the same time

they make yearly checkups. However, your pet’s teeth should be checked sooner if you

notice any of the following:

• bad breath
• broken, loose or extra teeth
• discolored teeth
• abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
• reduced appetite or refusal to eat
• pain, bleeding or swelling in or around the mouth

Be careful when evaluating your pet’s mouth. Even though he or she adores you, a pet

in pain can bite. During the dental cleaning, your pet will undergo anesthesia. Most patients will not

hold still for tartar removal, and if underlying pain exists, anesthesia allows your pet to

rest during the procedure. Plus, a thorough exam and X-rays might reveal severe

problems that cannot be treated without anesthesia or need to be addressed by us

immediately.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, your pet will likely show

some early signs of periodontal disease by the time he or she reaches three years old.

This can worsen as your pet grows older. If left untreated, other problems could result

such as changes in your pet’s kidney, liver, and heart.

It is imperative pet owners schedule dental exams with their veterinarian’s office. Here’s

a bonus: February is National Pet Dental Month. Often, many clinics, like ours, will offer

special discounts at that time to encourage pet owners to schedule these important exams.