February is Pet Dental Month
Dental health is a key component of your pet's overall health conditions. Dental problems can be a strong indicator of other underlying conditions in your furry friend. Of course, as with most medical issues, prevention is easier (and cheaper) than treating it after it’s become a problem. Pets quite often require teeth cleaning or tooth extraction, just as humans do. At Friendship Animal Hospital in Pineville, we have complete dental care for your pet to make sure they are smiling for years to come.
Pet Dental Exams
A pet dental exam includes a close inspection of your four-legged family member's gums, teeth and may include an X-ray to observe the roots of their teeth below the gums. If your pet has tartar build-up, you may need your veterinarian to clean their teeth in order to keep this from becoming a periodontal disease and possibly losing teeth in the future. Your pet should have a dental exam at least once a year at the same time as a pet wellness check-up.
Signs That Your Pet Needs a Dental Checkup
There are many signs that indicate your pet needs veterinary attention for their teeth including bad breath, loose or broken teeth, or retained baby teeth in addition to the adult teeth. If your pet's teeth are covered in tartar or discolored, they chew abnormally, drool or drop food from their mouth frequently, then your pet likely needs veterinary dental care. Some pets will have a reduced appetite or even refuse to eat when they have mouth problems. Other pets may bleed from the mouth or have swollen areas near the mouth. These dental issues range from the not-so-bad to the horrible, but they should all be checked out by a veterinarian just to make sure your pet is alright.
Pet Dental Care From Your Friends in Pineville
Pets can be in great pain when they have dental issues. At Friendship Animal Hospital in Pineville, our entire staff is compassionate about all pet care and especially when dental care is needed. Call us today at (704) 889-7387 or pay us a visit, we hope to see your pet soon and help them keep their pearly whites gleaming and healthy.