EDMONTON, Alberta, Feb. 22, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- February is "Pet Dental Month" at Edmonton South Animal Hospital. The veterinary hospital is raising awareness about the importance of pet dental checkups and cleanings as part of overall pet wellness care. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) estimates that nearly three out of every four pets age three years or older have symptoms of periodontal disease. Regular pet dental cleanings are the most effective way to reduce the risk for periodontal disease and protect oral health, says Edmonton veterinarian Dr. Ignacio "Nash" Tan.
Edmonton veterinarian Dr. Tan is encouraging pet owners to "brush up" on their pets' dental care during "Pet Dental Month" in February.
"Just like humans, pets benefit from regular dental care," said Dr. Tan. "Brushing our teeth is something we do every day without fail, but we rarely give a second thought to our pet's teeth and gums. This month, our team at Edmonton South Animal Hospital is encouraging pet owners to bring greater awareness to their pets' oral health needs. This starts with regular brushing and routine cleanings."
According to Dr. Tan, periodontal disease is one of the most common health problems affecting pets. Since pets cannot brush their own teeth, food particles and bacteria will build up along the gum line and eventually harden into tartar. Tartar can only be removed with a professional cleaning. If tartar deposits are not removed, the tartar can push away the gum line, creating pockets within the gums that are susceptible to bacterial infection.
"Bacterial infections that start in the gums can spread to other parts of a pet's body, including the heart, kidneys and other organs," said Dr. Tan. "Regular dental cleanings and good at-home hygiene are the best way to prevent these infections from happening in the first place."
The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that the average cost to prevent dental disease in pets is $171.82 while treatment costs average $531.71.
"Prevention makes smart financial sense and is better for a pet's overall quality of life," said Dr. Tan.
Dr. Tan and the veterinary team at Edmonton South Animal Hospital are encouraging pet owners to not ignore the warning signs of dental health problems, like bad breath. Other symptoms include red swollen gums and brownish teeth, bleeding from the mouth, and pawing or rubbing the face and mouth. Dr. Tan also cautioned that while a pet's breath may never smell minty fresh, breath that is especially unpleasant is an indicator that gum disease may be present.
"Don't ignore the symptoms of poor oral health," cautioned Dr. Tan. "A dental checkup is an easy, effective way to diagnose oral health problems and treat these problems before a pet's overall health is compromised."
Edmonton South Animal Hospital provides comprehensive pet wellness care, including pet surgery, vaccinations, and laser therapy. Visit http://edmontonanimalhospital.com/ to learn more.