Chattahoochee animal clinic monthly specials

 Does your pet have a dirty mouth? CAC can help clean up your pets mouth with our August dental specials. Call and book your appointment before the end of August to take advantage of these specials.  Click here to view our monthly dental specials.

Painful toothaches and gingivitis have mercy on no one, man or beast. Here’s a guide to help you keep your pet’s teeth and gums happy and healthy.

Many pet owners tend to overlook their pet’s bad breath dismissing it as normal. In fact, bad breath along with sore or bleeding gums are warning signs that your dog or cat may be developing painful periodontal(gum) disease. When it comes to the importance of your pet’s dental hygiene, it goes way beyond a pretty smile. Good dental health not only helps your pet eat comfortably but contributes to overall pet health, as well.

Be Vigilant

Just like humans, pets need routine brushings to win the lifelong battle with plaque. As your pet eats, plaque builds up, eventually hardening into the calcified material we know as tartar. If plaque is you pet’s arch nemesis, tartar is her mortal enemy. Tartar not only irritates gums, but it also becomes a playground for bacteria.

If left untreated, the gums will become inflamed, pulling back from the teeth and creating pockets that, you guessed it, harbor even more harmful bacteria. As gum disease progresses, the gums may bleed, the roots of your pet’s teeth may be exposed, teeth may loosen, and your pet may actually feel pain as she eats her dinner. Over time this bacteria can find its way into your pet’s bloodstream, leading to liver and kidney problems. It’s insidious, painful, and, yes, disgusting. But it is also very preventable.

Watch for Warning Signs

It’s not hard to spot your pet’s tooth and gum problems as they develop. The warning signs are clear. The trick is learning not to dismiss them. Here are a few of the most common warning signs.

• Bad breath
• Sensitivity around the mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Yellow or brown deposits on the teeth
• Bleeding, inflamed, and withdrawn gums
• Loose or missing teeth
• Pawing at the mouth or face
• Difficulty chewing

Reference:http://www.vetstreet.com/learn/pet-dental-care-101