Part of being able to determine when an animal is sick or injured is knowing what is normal for that pet. Owners should monitor their pet’s behavior daily and perform brief physical examinations monthly so they can recognize when something has changed.
- Run your hands over your pet’s body to feel for any new lumps or bumps that should be checked out by the veterinarian. Also, ruffle your pet’s fur and look at the skin for fleas and ticks, redness, scaling, etc.
- Look at the color of your pet’s gums. Keep an eye out for dental disease or any masses in the mouth.
- Examine ears, eyes, nose, nails, feet and the anogenital region for anything unusual that may have developed since your last exam.
- Weigh your pet monthly and record the information so you can pick up any unexpected weight gain or loss as early as possible.
If you find anything out of the ordinary during your examination, contact your pet’s veterinarian with any questions or concerns.
Studies show that 80% of dogs show signs of gum disease by the age of 3. Symptoms include tarter buildup along the gum line, persistent bad breath, and gums that are red and inflamed. If these signs sound familiar, get out your pup’s toothbrush because it may not be too late!
The early stages of gingivitis aren’t particularly dangerous for your pooch and are easily treatable with proper dental care. Regular vet visits that include an oral checkup, home dental care, and teeth cleanings are all essential for correcting the early stages of gingivitis and preventing more serious disease.
Canine gingivitis that’s left untreated can lead to Periodontal disease, which is a painful infection between your dog’s gums and teeth. Periodontal disease can cause discomfort for your dog, lead to tooth loss, and spread infection to other parts of the body. Prevention is key to stopping Periodontal disease and avoiding the costly vet bills that accompany. You can prevent periodontal disease with oral hygiene products from retailers like vetdepot.com.
Consult with your dog’s veterinarian about the best steps to take for a healthy doggy smile.
As part of National Pet Dental Health Month, Virbac Animal Health launched “Clean Every Tooth Pet Home Dental Care” campaign to help educate owners about the importance of making their pet’s dental health part of a daily routine. The campaign provides information and educational materials at CETdental.com is designed to support the annual National Pet Dental Health Month in February. With CET (Clean Every Tooth), Virbac hopes the prevention of dental disease will become as natural to pet owners as vaccinations and heartworm prevention. Virbac supports a variety of pet home dental health programs with products like CETChews, Aquadent Drinking Water Additive, and brushing kits. National Pet Dental Health Month is sponsored by a number of commercial and industry organizations including Hill’s Pet Nutrition, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Dental Society.