Pet Dental Awareness Month
01/10/05

February is National Pet Dental Awareness month. At DSAH (and at most other veterinary hospitals) we are offering routine dentals at reduced prices. If you are one of those folks who have not chosen to add your pets teeth to the list of things to be concerned about don’t feel alone. When I first began practicing veterinary medicine in 1985 suggesting a dental for a ranch dog was more often cause for comic relief than for serious consideration. It didn’t matter that the dogs breath could strip paint or that the teeth looked like really old cheese. Some folks just didn’t get dental care for dogs. For those who consider yourselves far more enlightened than that, consider that on the other side of the coin we have many people who brush their dogs teeth every day and can’t stand even the slightest amount of tarter to be on the teeth. February is the month for that large majority of us who may be genuinely concerned about our pet’s dental health but who haven’t been able to bring ourselves to take any action yet.

I hereby challenge all who read this little article to go right away to your pets’ and pull their lip back and look at the premolars and molars at the back of the mouth. Don’t be afraid. Pull the lip way back and get a good look. If you see lots of dark brown tarter and/or a red stripe at the gum line your pet likely needs a dental. I further challenge you, then, to call your veterinarian and schedule an appointment. Make good on your good intentions and take some action. Your veterinarian may have already told you that your pet should get a dental. You may then want to take advantage of the special prices most of us veterinarians are offering during February.

Once the dental is complete your pet will have much better breath, will be healthier, will be happier and you will have the satisfaction of knowing you are taking good care of  your four legged family members.