How much do you know about your pet's dental health? Test Yourself!

How much do you know about your pet's dental health? Test Yourself!

Take this quiz to find out.

Oral health in dogs and cats

Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health, which is why February is National Pet Dental Month!! At VCA Hollywood we want to take dental awareness further and offer more saving. 

Through March, your precious pup and fancy feline can enjoy our 20% discount on their professional dental cleaning. Dental health  problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems. Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian to check for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.

How much do you know about your pet's dental health?  Test Yourself!

What is veterinary dentistry, and who should perform it?

Veterinary dentistry includes the cleaning, adjustment, filing, extraction, or repair of your pets' teeth and all other aspects of oral health care. These procedures should be performed by a veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary dentist. Subject to state or provincial regulation, veterinary technicians are allowed to perform certain dental procedures under the supervision of a veterinarian.

The process begins with an oral exam of your pet’s mouth by your veterinarian. Radiographs (x-rays) may be needed to evaluate the health of the jaw and the tooth roots below the gumline. Because most dental disease occurs below the gumline, where you can’t see it, a thorough dental cleaning and evaluation are performed under anesthesia. Dental cleaning includes scaling (to remove dental plaque and tartar) and polishing, similar to the process used on your own teeth during your regular dental cleanings.

Oral health in dogs and cats

• bad breath

• broken or loose teeth

• extra teeth or retained baby teeth

• teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar

• abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth

• reduced appetite or refusal to eat

• pain in or around the mouth

• bleeding from the mouth

• swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth

Some pets become irritable when they have dental problems, and any changes in your pet’s behavior should prompt a visit to your veterinarian. Always be careful when evaluating your pet’s mouth, because a painful animal may bite.

Causes of pet dental problems

• broken teeth and roots

• periodontal disease

• abscesses or infected teeth

• cysts or tumors in the mouth

• malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth and bite

• broken (fractured) jaw

• palate defects (such as cleft palate)

Have your pet’s teeth checked sooner if you observe any of the following problems:Your pet’s teeth should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.

Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats – by the time your pet is 3 years old, he or she will very likely have some early evidence of periodontal disease, which will worsen as your pet grows older if effective preventive measures aren’t taken. Early detection and treatment are critical, because advanced periodontal disease can cause severe problems and pain for your pet. Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth. Other health problems found in association with periodontal disease include kidney, liver, and heart muscle changes.

It starts with plaque that hardens into tartar. Tartar above the gumline can often easily be seen and removed, but plaque and tartar below the gumline is damaging and sets the stage for infection and damage to the jawbone and the tissues that connect the tooth to the jaw bone. Periodontal disease is graded on a scale of 0 (normal) to 4 (severe).

The treatment of periodontal disease involves a thorough dental cleaning and x-rays may be needed to determine the severity of the disease. Your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary dentist will make recommendations based on your pet’s overall health and the health of your pet’s teeth, and provide you with options to consider.

Why does dentistry require anesthesia?

When you go to the dentist, you know that what’s being done is meant to help you and keep your mouth healthy. Your dentist uses techniques to minimize pain and discomfort and can ask you how you are feeling, so you accept the procedures and do your best to keep still. Your pet does not understand the benefit of dental procedures, and he or she reacts by moving, trying to escape, or even biting.

Anesthesia makes it possible to perform the dental procedures with less stress and pain for your pet. In addition, anesthesia allows for a better cleaning because your pet is not moving around and risking injury from the dental equipment. If radiographs (x-rays) are needed, your pet needs to be very still in order to get good images, and this is unlikely without heavy sedation or anesthesia.

Although anesthesia will always have risks, it’s safer now than ever and continues to improve so that the risks are very low and are far outweighed by the benefits. Most pets can go home the same day of the procedure, although they might seem a little groggy for the rest of the day.

What about “anesthesia-free” dental cleanings?The American Veterinary Dental College does not recommend dental cleanings without anesthesia because they do not allow cleaning or inspection below the gumline, where most dental disease occurs, and can result in injury to the pet or the person performing the procedure.

What can I do at home for my pet’s oral health

Prevention of the most common oral disease in pets consists of frequent removal of the dental plaque and tartar that forms on teeth that are not kept clean. Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth is the single most effective thing you can do to keep their teeth healthy between dental cleanings, and may reduce the frequency or even eliminate the need for periodic dental cleaning by your veterinarian. Daily brushing is best, but it’s not always possible and brushing several times a week can be effective. Most dogs accept brushing, but cats can be a bit more resistant – patience and training are important.

There are many pet products marketed with claims that they improve dental health, but not all of them are effective. Talk with your veterinarian about any dental products, treats, or dental-specific diets you’re considering for your pet, or ask your veterinarian for their recommendation.

Source: https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Pet-Dental-Care.aspx

News you can use: Home Dental Care for your pet!!!!!

An important part of your pet’s overall health is good oral hygiene.  Just like in humans, preventing dental disease requires regular cleaning to remove any buildup of plaque and tartar on your pet’s teeth.  There are a variety of things you can do at home to help keep your pet’s mouth clean.  All the methods that will be discussed here are targeted at minimizing the buildup of bacterial film, of plaque, and preventing the plaque from mineralizing into tartar. 

  

Home Oral Hygiene:

Brushing: Of the home oral hygiene methods, brushing is by the most effective way to keep your pet’s mouth clean.  Ideally brushing should be done daily, but brushing several times per week will still be effective.  A soft bristle tooth brush and pet specific toothpaste are the only materials you will need.  Human toothpaste is not made to be swallowed and can upset your pet’s stomach if used.  Most pets will allow you to brush their tooth, but a gradual approach is best to get them used to it.  It is often best to start by holding up their lips for short periods of time for the first few days and then proceeding to massaging their gums with your finger or a piece of gauze for another few days before introducing the toothbrush.  Some pets prefer finger brushes or dental wipes, so it is important to be patient and find what works best for your pet.  Lastly, try to make it fun for your pet and make sure to offer the lots of love and reward during the process. 

Oral Rinses and Gels: Another home oral hygiene method you can try is chlorhexidine oral rinses or gels that are squirted into the mouth or applied to the outside of the teeth. These are designed to be safe for pets but can have a bitter taste that some pets will object to. 

Diets and Treats: There are a variety of diets and treats on the market that formulated to help decrease dental disease.  Some help to remove plaque through mechanical action based on the shape of the kibble, while others have ingredients to help prevent tartar buildup.  For dogs, rawhides or various chew toys can be beneficial.  However, bones and antlers should be avoided as they can lead to broken teeth. 

Choosing products that are beneficial for oral hygiene can be difficult as there are so many options out there.  The Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal of Acceptance can be found on various products that have been found to meet the VOHC standard for preventing plaque and tartar buildup on pet’s teeth.  A complete list of the products with this seal can be found on their website (www.VOHC.org). 

Veterinarian’s Role: As important as home oral hygiene is, it is also important to recognize if at any point your pet needs dental care to be provided by your veterinarian.  Some of the most common signs of dental disease can include: obvious bad breath, loss of teeth, discoloured or stained teeth, pain associated with their mouth, as well as appetite or weight loss.  Your veterinarian can perform a full physical exam, including an oral exam to assess what dental care your pet may need.  This typically includes a full oral hygiene procedure and full mouth dental radiographs done under general anesthesia to ensure patient safety as well as to fully clean the teeth, both above and below the gumline.  Regular veterinary visits can help to determine the need for professional dental cleanings and allow you and your veterinarian to come up with a home oral hygiene plan that is best suited for your pet in order to help prevent future dental disease.   

VCA HomeDelivery delivers all of your pets food, treats and medications right to your door. Let us do the heavy lifting for you. For more information about home delivery for your pet visit store.vcahollywood.com

Learn more about 
Rebecca Mycock, DVM

Don't miss out on getting your pet fresh breath and better health!!!

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital is offering 20% off a dental cleaning & discounted dental products! Schedule your pet's dental evaluation before March 31st

Here are some reasons why dental care is so important for your pet: 

1. A pet with healthy teeth equals a pet with better breath!

2. Dental disease can actually lead to problems with your pet’s organs, such as the heart.

3. Retained baby teeth can cause problems in pets too! Did you know that full grown dogs have 42 teeth and full grown cats have 30 teeth? Before their adult teeth grow in, though, their baby teeth have to fall out. Sometimes, not all of the baby teeth want to come out. This can lead to problems like gum irritation and tartar buildup.

4. Caring for your pet’s teeth can prevent other health problems, saving you tons of money over the long term!

5. You need regular dental care and you brush your teeth everyday – why wouldn’t your pets? Your veterinarian and these handy videos 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. 

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

9. Teeth wear out! Your pets are tough on their teeth. 

10. Periodontal disease affects up to 80% of all adult pets. It is 2.4 times more expensive to treat dental disease than to prevent it. 

Call us at 954-920-3556 and ask us how you can SAVE on incredible dental care and products. 

SOURCE: http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-checkups-preventive-care/10-reasons-why-you-should-

How often do you change your toothbrush??

How often do you change your toothbrush? How about your pet's. Oral care can be overlooked with our canine and feline partners yet it is critical to long term health. Health care routines can range from brushing to simple treats with an array of options in between. All supported by regular professional dental cleanings.
See what you can be doing to help prolong the health of your pet.  

C.E.T.^® Oral Hygiene Kit for Cats

Provides a complete kit with everything pet owners need to start a program of regular oral hygiene for their cat.

Convenient and complete starter dental care kit designed for cat owners to use at home. Contains C.E.T.^® Fingerbrush with C.E.T.^® Enzymatic Toothpaste and C.E.T.^® Cat Toothbrush.
Each kit contains:

• C.E.T.^® Fingerbrush; an ideal beginner toothbrush to help acquaint cats and their owners with the toothbrushing experience. After the cat and owner are comfortable with toothbrushing, owners can progress to using the C.E.T. Cat Toothbrush for more effective plaque removal.
• C.E.T.^® Cat Toothbrush is designed especially for feline mouths, which have very little room between their back teeth and cheeks. This toothbrush has long, soft bristles shaped into a pointed tuft. By placing just the tuft of the bristles between the cheek and the teeth, the back teeth can be brushed without causing discomfort.

C.E.T.^® Oral Hygiene Kit for Dogs

Provides a complete kit with everything pet owners need to start a program of regular oral hygiene for their dog.

Convenient and complete starter dental care kit designed for dog owners to use at home. Contains C.E.T.^® Fingerbrush with C.E.T.^® Enzymatic Toothpaste and C.E.T.^® Dual-Ended Toothbrush.
Each kit contains:

• C.E.T.^® Fingerbrush, an ideal beginner toothbrush to help acquaint dogs and their owners with the toothbrushing experience. After the dog and the owner are comfortable with toothbrushing, owners can graduate to using the C.E.T. Dual-Ended Toothbrush for more effective plaque removal.
• C.E.T.^® Enzymatic Toothpaste, which provides a natural antibacterial action and acts quickly to help neutralize mouth odors. The toothpaste is palatable and formulated to be safe even if swallowed by the pet.
• The C.E.T.^® Dual-Ended Toothbrush features soft bristles and a long handle with reverse angle heads to enable easy application. Tapered dual ends accommodate large and small tooth surfaces and conform to a pet’s mouth and teeth.

National Toothache Day_ Dental disease can lead to more problems than just bad breath!!!!

Feb 9th is National Toothache Day! At one time or another, we have likely all experienced and suffered through a toothache. This is a problem that our canine and feline pals can also suffer through. In addition to the pain and discomfort that dental problems cause, our pet’s dental issues can be a lot more serious than our own. Left untreated they can lead to life threatening infections and issues including heart, liver and kidney disease. 

This month, take advantage of 20% off our basic dental services. Whether you are starting a new dental routine or keeping on track with your pet’s regular dental cleanings, now is the time to lick dental disease. 

Call or click here to schedule your pet for a dental evaluation.

Schedule your appointment today!!

Here are a few tips to help you with the lifelong care of your pet’s teeth:

 1- Do NOT use human toothpaste for your dog. Don't forget that humans rinse after brushing, but dogs just swallow the toothpaste. An overdose of fluoride can cause vomiting and at higher levels can lead to kidney damage.

2- When possible, clean your dog's teeth manually and regularly with a dog toothbrush and toothpaste. It is ideal to start this from a pup but it can be started at any time in a dog's life

 3- If your dog will not allow you to do this and it ends in blood, sweat and tears, be aware that crunchy kibble is a lot better than soft food for teeth and you can also invest in a variety of chew bones and toys which also assist in teeth cleaning. 

4- Try to look inside your dog's mouth every week or so and if you spot any changes or any of the below then seek veterinary advice:

- Bad Breath

- Change in eating/ chewing habits

- Pawing at face or mouth

- Depression

- Excessive drooling

- Misaligned/ Missing teeth

- Discoloured/ broken/ missing/ crooked teeth

- Red, swollen, painful or bleeding gums

- Bumps or growths within the mouth

Dental disease can lead to more problems than just bad breathe.

Dental disease can lead to more problems than just bad breathe. 

 This is the time to take a closer look at your pet's dental health. As our teeth are a very important part of our overall health so is our pets. Dental problems can often cause or be caused by other health problems.  This is why each year we raise awareness of the importance of veterinary dentistry though our extended Pet Dental Month incentives.
With national focus on pet dental care, you will find great incentives to help you keep your pet's pearly white sparkling. 

Bad breath is not the only indication that your pet may need a dental. Call to schedule your pet's dental service today!!!
 
From now until March 31st we will be take 20% off our basic dental services. To ensure that your pet can maintain their new beautiful smile, you will also get a homecare dental kit to take with you.*
What you need to know about your pet's dental health!!! 

From now until March 31st we will be take 20% off our basic dental services.

Here are some reasons why dental care is so important for your pet: 

1. A pet with healthy teeth equals a pet with better breath!

2. Dental disease can actually lead to problems with your pet’s organs, such as the heart.

3. Retained baby teeth can cause problems in pets too! Did you know that full grown dogs have 42 teeth and full grown cats have 30 teeth? Before their adult teeth grow in, though, their baby teeth have to fall out. Sometimes, not all of the baby teeth want to come out. This can lead to problems like gum irritation and tartar buildup.

4. Caring for your pet’s teeth can prevent other health problems, saving you tons of money over the long term!

5. You need regular dental care and you brush your teeth everyday – why wouldn’t your pets? Your veterinarian and these handy videos 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. 

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

9. Teeth wear out! Your pets are tough on their teeth. 

10. Periodontal disease affects up to 80% of all adult pets. It is 2.4 times more expensive to treat dental disease than to prevent it. 

Call us at 954-920-3556 and ask us how you can SAVE on incredible dental care and products. 

SOURCE: http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-checkups-preventive-care/10-reasons-why-you-should-take-care-your-pets-teeth

Keeping your pet healthy starts with a great smile!! Pet Dental Specials

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital is offering 20% off a dental cleaning & discounted dental products! Schedule your pet's dental evaluation before March 31st

Here are some reasons why dental care is so important for your pet: 

1. A pet with healthy teeth equals a pet with better breath!

2. Dental disease can actually lead to problems with your pet’s organs, such as the heart.

3. Retained baby teeth can cause problems in pets too! Did you know that full grown dogs have 42 teeth and full grown cats have 30 teeth? Before their adult teeth grow in, though, their baby teeth have to fall out. Sometimes, not all of the baby teeth want to come out. This can lead to problems like gum irritation and tartar buildup.

4. Caring for your pet’s teeth can prevent other health problems, saving you tons of money over the long term!

5. You need regular dental care and you brush your teeth everyday – why wouldn’t your pets? Your veterinarian and these handy videos 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. 

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

9. Teeth wear out! Your pets are tough on their teeth. 

10. Periodontal disease affects up to 80% of all adult pets. It is 2.4 times more expensive to treat dental disease than to prevent it. 

Call us at 954-920-3556 and ask us how you can SAVE on incredible dental care and products. 

SOURCE: http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-checkups-preventive-care/10-reasons-why-you-should-