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RICHMOND, Texas, Feb. 19, 2017 -- February is National Pet Dental Health Month. During this time, Kindred Care Pet Hospital is making an extra effort to raise awareness of good dental care for dogs and cats. Pet owners may not expect veterinarians to tell them that their dogs and cats have periodontal disease, yet, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have at least the beginnings of gum disease by the time they are three years old.
“Pet owners often joke about their cat or dog's bad breath,” Kindred Care Pet Hospital veterinarian Dr. Paul Fidelis says, “but often they don't realize that severe halitosis may be a sign of dental infection getting ready to spread to internal organs.”
In addition to bad breath, other signs of pet periodontal disease include discolored teeth and gums, teeth that are chipped, cracked, loose or missing, swollen gums, and discomfort when eating.
"Annual dental checkups are important," Dr. Paul Fidelis says. "We show pet owners obvious signs of trouble and explain what isn't so obvious, including tartar below the gum line that feeds bacteria."
Tartar forms from plaque, a sticky, colorless film on teeth caused by the combination of mouth bacteria in saliva. An animal's body perceives the bacteria as an invader that the immune system needs to attack. The immune system sends white blood cells to battle the bacteria, which results in gum inflammation and loss of tissue and bone.
Following a dental exam, Dr. Fidelis says, he tells pet owners whether cleaning and any corrective work is necessary, such as extractions. Pet dental procedures require anesthesia, he explains, because it makes the process safer and more comfortable for both pets and veterinarians.
Dr. Fidelis suggests placing a little bit of flavored pet toothpaste (beef, chicken, and seafood, for example) on a finger and gently rubbing it up and down on a pet's teeth. "Do it daily for about a week and then try a soft pet toothbrush," Dr. Fidelis suggests. "Some tiny toothbrushes fit on a fingertip to make brushing easier."
Kindred Care Pet Hospital is a full-service Richmond veterinary clinic. In addition to dental care, it provides wellness exams, vaccinations, spay and neuter operations, diagnostics including digital imaging, surgery, and emergency care.
The clinic is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. For appointments, call (281) 265-0009 or visit their website at http://kindredcarepet.net/ for more information.
Kindred Care Pet Hospital
7039 FM 1464 Rd, Suite 240
Richmond, TX 77407
(281) 265-0009
