10 Reasons to have your pets Teeth Professionally Cleaned

10 Reasons to have your pets 

Teeth Professionally Cleaned 

February is National Pet Dental Health Month! White House Animal Hospital wants to provide you with the best possible care; and to do so, we start with the teeth.  Have you ever noticed that all pet exams start with your Veterinarian checking your pets teeth?  Here are the reasons why!

1. Healthy Teeth equals Healthy Breath!

2. Dental disease can cause Heart, Liver, and Kidney problems.

3. Retained baby teeth can cause problems with Adult Teeth and crowd your pets mouth causing permanent tooth loss! Did you know that full grown dogs have 42 teeth and full grown cats have 30 teeth? Before their adult teeth grow in, their baby teeth have to fall out the same as people.

4. Caring for your pet’s teeth and preventing tarter and bacteria buildup can prevent serious health issues later in life, saving you tons of money over the long term!

5. You need regular dental care and you brush your teeth everyday – your pets are no different! Your veterinarian and favorite WHAH Technician can help you learn to brush your dog's teeth and your cat's teeth.

6. Did you know that 4 out of 5 dogs over the age of 3 years have some sort of periodontal disease? It can be caused by the buildup of plaque, so it’s important to go in for regular dental checkups and cleanings. Did you know that the health of your pets depends on the health of their teeth and gums.  Schedule your pets FREE Dental Exam today!

7. Pets that don’t get dental care can painfully lose their teeth – this can be terribly painful and cause serious health and digestion problems.

8. Your dog and cat are very good at hiding pain – you might never know that your pet has a serious dental problem until it’s very advanced. This is yet another reason it’s important to take your pet in for regular dental checkups and regular professional teeth cleanings.  Schedule your pets routine dental in the month of February 2016 and save up to 20% of the cost.

9. Teeth wear out! Your pets are tough on their teeth. Learn the symptoms to keep your pet from experiencing the pain of severely worn teeth:  Lack of appetite, refusing hard treats and chews, pawing at the mouth, and excessive drooling.  If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms schedule an exam with Dr. Link, Dr, Gilbreath, or Dr. McRee to stop the pain today!

10. Learn more about the importance of dental care by visiting our Dental Month Facebook Event and our Blog! 

Call White House Animal Hospital today at 615-672-0357 or schedule online!

Kristi May, MS, CVPM, LVMT, AHT, BS, ABCDT 

White House Animal Hospital 615-672-0357
https://www.facebook.com/pethospital/ 

Dental disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats.

Dental disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats.

Does your pet have it?

It’s time to schedule their yearly checkup today and find out.

It’s that time of year again. Love, hugs and chocolate are on everyone’s mind. For your pet, the first two come out way on top! (Chocolate is a no-no, but you already knew that!)

Dental disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats, affecting 78% of dogs and 68% of cats over the age of three. Although most dogs and cats will develop some sort of dental disease, small dog breeds, such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds and Toy Poodles, are more prone to developing periodontal disease than larger breeds.

If your pet has bad breath, it may mean there is a problem with their teeth and gums. This can also contribute to more severe medical conditions. If dental issues are left untreated, you may put your pet at risk for problems in their mouth (periodontitis) or with internal organs (heart disease). The challenge most pet owners face is that even if their pet’s breath smells fine, some dental issues are hard to spot.

Early preventive measures, such as at-home care and in-clinic teeth cleanings will help to reduce the frequency and severity of dental disease later in life. At our hospital, we will perform a comprehensive examination of your pet’s teeth and gums (Free Dental Examination for February 2016). Just like when you visit your dentist, we use special tools to remove tartar from below the gum line and smooth the surface of each tooth to prevent tartar buildup.  Schedule your pets professional teeth cleaning in the month of February and Wellness Rewards Members can save up to 20% the cost!

Keeping your pet healthy from toe to tooth shows the world how much you love them. The best way to keep your pet in tiptop shape is to schedule your pet’s yearly checkup with us.  Schedule online today! We’re committed to your pet’s well being every step of the way. (Because we love them too!)

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Kristi May, MS, CVPM, LVMT, AHT, BS, ABCDT 
White House Animal Hospital 615-672-0357
https://www.facebook.com/pethospital/

Why does my dog’s breath smell?

Why does my dog's breath smell?

February Dental Month

            Causes of Bad Breath

Periodontal disease and stomach problems are the two most common reasons for pet halitosis. Canned pet food and à la carte garbage dining can contribute to stinky breath, but if your pet's breath is regularly repulsive, check their teeth. "Periodontal disease is the top health problem vets see, yet few owners ever look inside their pets' mouths," says Marty Becker, DVM, coauthor of Why Do Dogs Drink out of the Toilet?

Periodontal Disease

Studies show that after the age of 3 years, 80 percent of dogs and cats will have signs of periodontal disease.  Classic signs of periodontal disease include red, bleeding gums and brown buildup on teeth, changing in eating behaviors, refusing hard kibble and treats, pawing at the mouth, rubbing face and muzzle on the carpet, and missing teeth.  Avoiding periodontal disease is essential: Animals with periodontal disease experience pain and bacterial infection that can contribute to heart, liver and kidney damage. "Good oral health is the furry fountain of youth," Dr. Becker says. It can help your pet live 15 percent longer.

Dental Exam

Get your pet's mouth checked twice a year.  This February bring your pet to White House Animal Hospital for a Free Dental Exam!  Schedule your pet's free exam online today by clicking here and get a Free Pet Finger Tooth Brush.  If your pet is diagnosed with periodontal disease, book a professional teeth cleaning in February and save up to 20% (including the extraction of loose and infected teeth if necessary). 

Preventing Bad Breath

Help prevent tartar and plaque from building up after your pets professional teeth cleaning by brushing your pet's teeth at least once a week (Get your Free Pet Finger Brush with every Free Dental Exam or Professional Teeth Cleaning) or wiping Clenza dent Gel on your pets teeth.  White House Animal hospital also carries Royal Canine Dental Diets for cats and dogs, as well as a variety of dental chews.  Dental care is an important part of your pet's health care, as teeth can not be replaced.  

Ruling out Digestive Problems

What if your pet's mouth looks healthy? Digestive problems may be the cause of his stinky breath. "If there's unhealthy bacteria in the intestinal tract, it can persist and worsen, causing bad breath," explains Dr. Becker.  Get your pet examined today to rid your pet of bath breath!  Schedule online at http://www.whitehousevet.com/contactus.html or call our office at 615-672-0357!

Kristi May, MS, CVPM, LVT, AHT, BS, ABCDT 

White House Animal Hospital 615-672-0357

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