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| WHAT EVERY PET OWNER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DENTAL DISEASE AND PET HEALTH! |
Many pet owners are unaware that-just like with humans-good dental health is essential to the overall health of pets! According to the AVMA (American Veterinary Medicine Association) and AVDS (American Veterinary Dentistry Society), dogs and cats need regular teeth cleanings and a healthy diet in order to maintain good dental health. Poor dental health in pets-just as in humans-results in other health problems. For pets, this can be bone infections, teeth extractions, systemic infections damaging the heart and kidneys; chronic anorexia and weight loss; and other medical problems resulting from chronic bacterial infection. These can be costly and painful to treat. While the idea of dental cleanings at home and by your veterinarian may seem new or unnecessary, the photos below demonstrate how much damage is done to teeth, gums and bone if your pet's dental care is neglected. Investing in your pet's dental health is a wise investment that can save you a great deal in the long run. For more information, call us at 603-893-1646.
Each time we see your pet, we evaluate his/her teeth using a Dental Grading System. The teeth are graded from I to IV, depending on the condition of the teeth, gums and other oral tissue. The real photos below demonstrate each Dental Grade and the description explains the condition of the pet's teeth and gums, as well as what is required to treat the pet.
The 4 Stages of Dental Disease
Grade I: NICE JOB! No sign of plaque or tartar
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Home dental care is needed to maintain these healthy teeth and gums. Brushing your pet's teeth regularly is ideal. There are products available to help make home dental care easy and hassle free, such as tooth sealers, rinses and food.
Grade II: Mild Gingivitis-Early Periodontal Disease
- Gum is inflamed and swollen. You may notice a thin red line along the gum line. Plaque beginning to cover the teeth. A Dental Prophylactic cleaning and polishing is indicated within the next few months.
Grade III: Moderate Gingivitis-Established Periodontal Disease
- Gums inflamed and swollen. Mouth is painful and odor is noticed. Gum pockets allow bacteria to flourish. Moderate amounts of plaque buildup. Dental cleaning to remove tartar is needed within the next 30 days. Tartar control diet and home dental care needed afterward for prevention. Extractions may be needed.
Grade IV: Severe Gingivitis-Advanced Periodontal Disease
- Periodontal disease, red and bleeding gums. Gum damaged by infection and tartar. Sore mouth and bad breath odor noted. Dental cleaning to remove tartar is needed immediately. Gum pockets and extractions are expected. Chronic infection is destroying the gum, teeth and bone. Bacteria is spreading through the body via the bloodstream threatening the kidneys, liver and heart. Extractions and suturing is necessary. Tartar control diet and home dental care needed to prevent recurrence.
Dental Health Resources:
SALE! Save on Hill's t/d Diet
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Main Street Animal Hospital and Hill's Pet Nutrition Announce 50% off all Hill's t/d dental diet during Dental Health Months, February and March! |
Local Pet Therapy Dog Makes It Big in "O Magazine"
Wignall Animal Hospital patient, Jake DeLong, is featured in the February issue of "O: The Oprah Magazine". Jake (pictured here with his mom, Kathy) is a pet therapy dog who visits local human patients and elderly residents spreading his canine cheer! "There's our dog now!" is how Jake is greeted by his senior citizen patients when he visits, as they proudly share in his ownership even if just for those few minutes on regular visits. A well behaved 5 year old Golden Retriever, Jake is able to respond to word-free commands using just hand signals which enables him to visit environments where giving oral commands might be problematic, including with some very sick patients. For more information about the pet therapy program Jake participates in, visit the New England Pet Partners website at http://www.newenglandpetpartners.org/ and you can see Jake in the CoverGirl® spread beginning on page 35, in the February 2010 issue of O: The Oprah Magazine
NEW Canine Influenza Vaccine
The only thing worse than having the flu is not being able to tell someone....
There's a new flu around that only affects dogs. If you've ever had the flu, you know how bad it can make you feel. And it's no different for dogs. Over the past several years, dogs in 30 states have been sickened by a new, year-round dog flu that continues to spread. It's highly contagious, and virtually every dog is vulnerable to infection. Fortunately, there's a new canine influenza vaccine available to help protect those loved ones who can't speak for themselves.
In May 2009, the USDA approved the licensure of the first influenza vaccine for dogs developed by Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health Corporation. The canine influenza vaccine contains inactivated whole virus, so there is no chance that the vaccine itself can cause respiratory infections. To learn more about the vaccine, contact your veterinarian at 603-893-1646 or see the Canine Influenza FAQs.
