Pet Dental Health Month is here again! Why do we stress this so much? Because the health of your pet’s mouth affects the health of the entire animal. Check out some statistics below and while you’re out buying that box of chocolates and flowers for your sweetie, remember that your pet could use some attention as well!

Periodontal disease is, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), “the most common clinical condition in cats and dogs even though it’s completely preventable.” And it is certainly common— according to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80-85% of adult pets have periodontal disease.

So why is it so important to prevent this disease? In addition to causing bad breath, moderate periodontitis can destroy the gum and cause enough soreness in your pet’s mouth that it can affect their eating and behavior. Left untreated, the bacteria may spread through the bloodstream and damage the liver, kidneys and heart. Take a look at this post – How is your pet’s dental health? – for an overview of the symptoms of periodontal disease.

Throughout the month we will be publishing posts that relate to pet dental health along with a few cases we’ve witnessed of pets in need of extractions because of lack of proper dental care. A lift-the -lip check takes only minutes and can save you a whole ton of money in the long-run!