stLouISTCheck Those Chompers! February Is National Pet Dental Health Month
GLEN CARBON – Most pet owners do everything they can to protect the well-being of their dogs and cats, but one thing they often neglect to check is their teeth. As pets grow older, their bad breath is considered more of an annoyance than a sign their health is at risk. However, the bacteria that lingers in the mouths of our furry friends can circulate through their bloodstream, endangering their heart, kidneys, and liver. “As veterinarians, we often see cases of heart, liver, or kidney disease that may be exacerbated by a pet’s rotten teeth and inflamed gums,” said Dr. Jennifer Davis of Hawthorne Animal Hospital in Glen Carbon, Ill. “Protecting our pet’s oral health each day takes less than a minute and can possibly help them live a longer life. But according to studies, less than seven percent of owners regularly brush their pet’s teeth.” Daily Brushing and Yearly Exams – Two Ways to Safeguard Your Pet’s Smile During National
