Thursday, January 14 2010

Receive $75.00 off a dental cleaning if you make your pet’s appointment in the month of Februrary.  Call to schedule your appointment today! 863-324-3340

              Dental problems are so common that by three years of age 80% of our pets will have dental disease.  This can affect their quality of life in many ways.  First, dental pain can be a serious complication that may go unnoticed.  Avoiding treats or hard food, difficulty chewing or excessive drooling can indicate oral pain.  Have you ever had an infected tooth?  Imagine the pain from 8-10 severely infected teeth.  Many pets will act like a puppy or kitten again after a necessary dental procedure relieves their pain. 

               Periodontal disease can lead to oronasal fistulas, an opening from the mouth to the nasal passage, which allows water, saliva, bacteria, and even food particles to enter the nose.  This results in a chronic nasal infection, sneezing and typical “allergy” signs.  This condition is rare in cats, but can be found in any breed dog, especially dachshunds, poodles, schnauzers and those prone to dental disease.

                Inflamed gums and periodontal pockets allow bacteria to gain access into the bloodstream and shower the body with infection.  This can affect the kidneys, liver, and even heart causing irreparable damage.  In people, research shows that periodontal disease shortens lifespan by several years due to these effects.

                Despite the significant and severe health concerns from dental disease, it also affects our bond and relationship with our pets.  Dental disease can prevent our pets from being able to show and receive our love and affection.  That can hurt the most when we push our pets away because of the smell of a treatable and preventable disease.