FROM STAFF REPORTS

NORTH SHELBY – February is National Pet Dental Health Month, the perfect time to remind pet parents of the importance of regular dental care.

Dental disease is the No. 1 veterinary diagnosis in dogs and cats, and one that can affect your pet’s overall health. By 3 years of age, more than 80 percent of cats and dogs have dental disease.
Poor dental care leads to bad breath, gum disease and even life-threatening diseases of the liver, heart or kidney. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, develops in dogs and cats the same way it develops in people, starting with the daily build-up of soft dental plaque on the teeth. As minerals in saliva come in contact with the plaque, calculus (hard dental tartar) forms. The tartar forms a rough surface and encourages further plaque accumulation, and the cycle continues.
This buildup leads to infection and damage to the structures surrounding the teeth. Smaller breeds are more susceptible to dental disease – a crowded mouth forms a better environment for plaque and tartar to thrive.
Dental disease is easy to overlook in pets, as many dogs and cats continue to eat, drink and play as normal, even if they are experiencing dental pain. On top of that, in 2016, only 16 percent of dogs and 8 percent of cats received dental care at the vet’s office, according to the American Pet Products Association, which means many pets’ dental disease goes unchecked.

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are critical to keeping pets’ teeth in good health. A complete oral evaluation, dental radiographs and regular dental work are important companions to at-home brushing (which only 32 percent of dog owners do, according to the APPA), dental treats and a high-quality diet.
Cahaba Valley Animal Clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to provide the best dental care possible. Cahaba Valley Animal Clinic doctors receive regular training to provide the most up-to-date, safest dental care to Birmingham-area pets. Make an appointment at Cahaba Valley Animal Clinic today for your pet’s dental care.
Cahaba Valley Animal Clinic is a full-service companion animal veterinary clinic, providing veterinary services in Birmingham for 27 years. Their doctors have over 70 combined years of experience treating cats and dogs.