By age 3, eight dogs in 10 develop gum disease.
Brushing your teeth after each meal, flossing and seeing
a dentist twice a year are part of a routine most of us follow. We know
that without proper care, serious teeth and gum problems can develop.
The same is true for our companion animals. Without good dental care,
most dogs and cats show signs of oral disease by age three. In
recognition of National Pet Health Month in February, we want to stress
the importance of regular companion animal dental care and how good
dental care contributes to the overall health of an animal.
There are three major steps that you should follow to
complete an oral care program for your pets. First, take your companion
animal to your veterinarian for a complete exam. Second, start a good
dental care routine at home to remove plaque daily. Ask your
veterinarian to show you the proper way to brush and clean your
companion animal's teeth. In addition, ask the vet to recommend a diet
that will improve your companion animal's dental health. Third,
establish a regular schedule of dental check-ups for your companion
animal so that your veterinarian can monitor the progress of your dog's
preventative dental care.
Source: OveganO@aol.com
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