February is

National Pet Dental Health Month

At Maple Veterinary Hospital,

 our veterinarians think

 every month should be

Pet Dental Health Month

According to Dr. Brook Niemiec, a board certified specialist in veterinary dentistry, statistics indicate that "more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by the time they're three years old”.  Dental disease can lead to serious health problems.  Our Veterinarians have made these recommendations for keeping your pet's teeth healthy:

·         Pet dental exams should be performed yearly for early detection of dental disease.  Our veterinarians perform dental exams during annual wellness visits but more frequent examinations may be necessary if your pet is showing signs of dental problems.

·        You should periodically check your pet’s teeth at home for any signs of dental disease.

·        Yearly dental cleanings should be performed as signs of dental disease appear to avoid any major health complications related to dental disease.  It is best to follow your veterinarian's advice when dental cleanings are recommended to avoid the risks of dental disease and the potential for tooth loss.

·         Brushing your pet’s teeth at home can help to reduce tartar buildup.  Pet toothbrushes and finger brushes work well.  Be sure to use a pet toothpaste such as C.E.T. Toothpaste.  Pet toothpastes contain enzymes which are specifically designed to break down plaque.  Pet toothpastes come in chicken and beef flavors,  and are non-foaming so that they can be swallowed without problems; unlike human toothpastes that foam and can cause vomiting if swallowed.

·         When brushing may not be an option, we recommend products, such as Breathalyzer that can be added to your pet’s water bowl daily to aid in decreasing plaque and tartar buildup or Nolvadent, which is an oral rinse used to decrease plaque and tartar.  We also offer Oravet, which is a plaque prevention gel that is applied weekly to the teeth.

·         For best dental maintenance, both cats and dogs should be fed a dry food diet. There are many well-balanced, commercial foods available that are now formulated to promote dental defense.  Hill’s prescription t/d diet is a good alternative that is specifically designed to help control tartar buildup and reduce dental disease.  Prescription t/d diet can be used as 1) a complete, well-balanced diet, 2) a dental defense supplement that is mixed with your pet's normal diet, or 3) a dental treat for those special "reward" moments.

·         Offering tartar control treats to your pets or encouraging them to play with toys that are specially made to help promote oral health can also aid in tartar control.  For instance, Dental Kongs work well in conjunction with C.E.T. Toothpaste.  When the dog or puppy chews on the Kong, their teeth get an added benefit of being "brushed" with the C.E.T. Toothpaste.  Also, specifically designed rope toys work well to scrap the teeth as they are being chewed.

Maple Veterinary Hospital carries dental health products such as Breathalyzer, Nolvadent, Oravet, C.E.T. Toothpaste, Finger brushes, and Hill's t/d "tooth diet".  Ask your veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician to help you choose the right dental products for your pet.

Please feel free to contact our office with any questions or for further information on oral health. 

Other sources of information and tips on dental health care can be found at these links: