If someone asked me, "What is the one thing I can do to help my pet live longer?", I would tell them proper dental care. Good oral hygiene has done more to help pets live longer, healthier lives than any one thing. Dirty teeth are full of bacteria and infection. This infection can get into the bloodstream and cause heart, liver, and kidney disease.
    15 years ago people would have laughed about having their pet's teeth cleaned. Today it is accepted as normal pet care. We perform an oral exam every year during the annual physical exam to determine if a dental cleaning is necessary. Some pets need their teeth cleaned every year while others may only need it every 3-4 years.
There are some things you can do at home to reduce the frequency your pet's teeth will need cleaning. The best thing is to brush your pet's teeth. This is best started as a puppy or kitten to get them used to it.  For pets that won't let you brush their teeth there are some other options. Greenies dog treats do a fantastic job of controlling bad breath and tartar. Another option is Oxyfresh added to their drinking water.
    If your pet's breath makes it hard to hold him in your lap, give us a call about scheduling a dental exam today.

                    Dr. Todd Henry