February is Canine Dental Health Month

We’ve all heard Lucy Van Pelt yell “ Uugghh, I’ve been kissed by a dog !! I have dog germs! Get the hot water! Get some disinfectant !! Get the iodine” as Snoopy give her a big smooch on the lips.   If your lovable pooch sneaks you a kiss , you may say “ Oh!!  You’ve got stinky breath!”

If your dog’s breath stinks or he has bleeding gums, he may very well have periodontal disease.  Over two out of three dogs over the age of three have some degree of periodontal disease .  Bacteria , or as Lucy calls them, “dog germs” , build up along the gum line forming plaque which hardens into tartar and results in inflammation around the tooth. Severe periodontal disease can result in bad breath, bleeding gums, difficulty eating, tooth and bone loss and even heart, kidney and liver disease due to bacteria in the blood.  Whereas commercial toys, dental sticks and brushing can help reduce the amount of plaque along the gum line, regular professional cleanings are necessary to maintain a healthy mouth.  Since February is Canine Dental Health Month, it is the perfect time to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to assess your dog’s oral health.