Smile!  Have you looked at your pet's teeth lately?  Are they clean?  A little dirty?  Yucky?!

February is Pet Dental Health Month.  Many pet owners don't or can't look in their pet's mouths, and don't realize the importance good oral health has on the overall health of their pets.

At Suburban, we stress the importance of good oral health.  Dental Disease is one of the most frequently diagnosed problems in pets.  Approximately 85% of pets over age 4 have signs of dental disease.

When pet owners complain of their pet's breath, often it is due to the buildup of plaque and tarter in the mouth, trapping bacteria onto the teeth and creating that foul odor.  This can also cause gum disease, tooth decay and loss, and damage to the bone beneath the teeth.

Problems with oral health aren't limited to just the mouth.  Bacteria in the plaque and tarter buildup on your pet's teeth can enter the bloodstream and travel to other vital organs and cause serious illness.

Doctors and staff at Suburban are happy to check your pet's mouth and determine if he or she is in need of a professional dental cleaning. (To view a professional dental cleaning at Suburban, visit our website at suburbananimalclinic.com and choose services, then dental care.)  We are currently offering a $15 discount on all professional dental cleanings in honor of Pet Dental Health Month.

We humans brush our teeth daily, floss, use mouth wash, and visit the dentist every 6-12 months.  We can do similar for our pets.  Imagine how you would feel if you never brushed your teeth, never went to the dentist, etc.  Think how disgusting your mouth would feel!  Your pets don't want painful, dirty mouths either.  We will give you various options for home dental care to help keep your pet's mouth healthy and clean.

Watch this month for ideas and products you can do at home to help your pet's teeth.  If you are concerned about your pet's teeth, please call us at 614-276-5479 for an appointment.