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February is National Dental Health month! Pets need dental care just as much as we do. Here are some common questions and answers about periodontal disease.

What are some signs of dental disease in my pet?
•Foul smelling breath, brown tartar accumulation on the teeth, food falling out of the mouth when chewing, and inability or difficulty eating hard food are some common signs. Some pets exhibit no signs at all.
What should I do if I think my pet has dental disease?
•Schedule an appointment to consult with your veterinarian. Often they will recommend a dental cleaning just like we get done at the dentist.
How do I prevent dental disease in my pet?
•Yearly or biannual dental cleanings are most effective at preventing and treating disease, but there are some at home products available to help decrease the frequency of cleanings. When you are looking for products to help prevent dental disease, look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval. This ensures that veterinarians have studied the product and believe that it actually works. Products (in order of most effective to least effective) include: prescription dental diets, pet toothbrushes and toothpaste, dental chews, and dental sprays. These products are most effective when used on a daily basis. Dr. Sarah Myers, Willow Animal Hospital
(photo courtesy of: www.bmpah.com)