February is National Pet Dental Health month. Pet oral hygiene and dental health is about more than bad breath. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of dental disease by age three. Plaque and tartar buildup can not only lead to gingivitis but, if left untreated, infected gums can lead to pain, tooth loss, and life threatening health conditions. Because oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream, poor oral health can lead to systemic problems involving the heart, lungs, kidneys, and nervous system.
Since pets can’t explain that their mouths hurt, they need regular check-ups. Some signs and symptoms to look for include disinterest in food, tender mouth, and discolored, loose, or tartar covered teeth. Even something as nonspecific as unusually grumpy behavior may be due to dental disease.
A great example of the importance of pet dental hygiene is Dash, a five year old Greyhound rescued by Kim Gazso in 2010. When Dash first arrived at his forever home he was in rough shape. Scrawny and skittish, he would jump whenever he was approached and would cry when his head was touched. Not only was he malnourished but he seemed hesitant to eat. Upon examining his mouth, I discovered tartar and advanced gingivitis. After a full dental procedure, partnered with easy at home care, Dash is a happy boy with a healthy mouth. Not only is he the confident leader of the Gazso pack, he rubs his head against his owners to demand attention and loves to lie with his head in a lap.
In observance of Dental Health Month this February, Progressive Animal Wellness (PAW) is offering 10% off routine dental care complete with a complimentary dental health kit filled with the tools you need to keep your pet's smile bright. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the clinic at 860-325-2124. You may also visit www.progressiveanimalwellness.com to read more of Dash's story.
Corey Shagensky, DVM, is the founder and owner of Progressive Animal Wellness (PAW) in Avon. He has been practicing veterinary medicine since earning his degree from Cornell University in 2004. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association, the Avon Chamber of Commerce, and the Connecticut Alliance for Business Opportunities. His areas of particular professional interest include dermatology, endocrinology, oral health, and preventive medicine. An avid road bicyclist and gardener, Dr. Shagensky also enjoys cooking, baking, sailing, playing guitar, and trying to read as many classic books/novels as he can. He lives in West Hartford with his wife, Jen, their two children, and Gertie, a mix he rescued from the SPCA while at Cornell. Connect with PAW on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram too.
