Did you know February is National Pet Dental Health Month? In an effort to spread awareness of oral health care for pets, Holistic Veterinary Care is participating by sharing our top tips for taking care of our furry friend’s teeth, Here are the 5 Things You Need to Know About Pet Dental Health:

1. First and foremost, do you know how to brush your pet’s teeth? Here is a helpful video that provides easy, step-by-step instructions on how to apply daily tooth brushing practices with your cat or dog.
2. Remember to take your pet to get a dental exam. Your pet should have a routine veterinarian examination, including teeth and gums at least once a year.
3. Look out for dental problems such as broken teeth and roots, periodontal disease, infected teeth, broken jaw, palate defects, cysts or tumors in the mouth.
4. Pay attention to your pet if they show the following symptoms: bad breath, broken or loose teeth, teeth that are discolored, abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth, reduce appetite or refusal to eat, pain in our around the mouth, bleeding from the mouth, and swelling.
5. If your pet needs a procedure, it may require anesthesia. Don’t fret, this is to help minimize pain and discomfort. Your pet doesn’t understand the benefit of dental procedures so they may react by trying to escape or bite.

Since 1961, the award-winning Holistic Veterinary Care team has shown commitment to excellence in helping animals to have a healthy life. Medical director Dr. Gary Richter leads a team of professionals who practice cutting-edge and progressive medicine integrating education into the overall wellness plan. From preventative care to sick pets, holistic alternatives and geriatric wellness, Holistic Veterinary Care provide everything you need to help your furry, feathered and scaly pets’ live long and healthy lives.