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Official Representative of ABC Animal and Bird Clinic
February is the month for love and snuggling. Everyone has hearts in their eyes as they select a valentine, spending too much money on silly things like chocolate (poisonous, duh!) and flowers (plants dying a slow death for our visual amusement). With all of this distraction, a pet could almost forget that it's dental month!
What!? I know. I was shocked too. Where is the time going? I was talking to Chester, a smooth-talking basset hound, and he had never had a dental cleaning in his life! Needless to say, no sweet V-day kisses for him. I had to set him straight. I told him that as pets age, bacteria, saliva and food stick to the teeth and form build-up. When this build-up (plaque) hardens into calculus, only a professional dental cleaning can remove it. If it isn't removed, this bacteria can cause some serious damage! It hitches a ride through the blood vessels in the gums and deposits itself in the various organs (heart, liver, kidneys) where it can continue to cause problems. Crazy! I know! Because most of us don't like to have our mouths messed with, this dental cleaning is under anesthesia. This is where you humans have it down. Just like a human dental, each tooth is hand scaled underneath the gumline, then sonic-scaled, we probe for pockets, polish and give a fluoride treatment. We even take radiographs (x-rays) of the teeth to make sure that the bacteria hasn't caused any damage to the roots. Cool, huh?
What can you do to help your pet's teeth? Lots! Brushing is best, chews are great and we have dental rinses that are good too. If you can't do anything, ask us about Sanos. Whatever dental program you can fit into your pet's life will be best. Just like people, even with a strict regimen, we need dentals periodically too. How often depends on things like breed and dental care at home. We think it's so important that for this month only we're giving a discount on all dentals! So hurry and call us so that we can fit you in!
Cheers, Buster
February Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month Dental Month Prevent a Litter Month Responsible Pet Owners Month
February 2nd: Groundhog Day February 6th-10th: Have a Heart for Chained Dog's Week February 14th: Valentine's Day and Pet Theft Awareness Day February 22nd: Spay Day February 23rd: National Dog Biscuit Day
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