LAKEWOOD, Colo., Aug. 12, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The veterinary care team at Wadsworth Animal Hospital in Lakewood, CO is warning pet owners about the dangers of neglecting their pets' oral health. According to the vet team of Dr. Eric L. Eisen, Dr. Carla A. Anema, and Dr. Erika Olson, an annual pet dental checkup is essential to preventing the buildup of tartar and plaque along the gum line. Without a pet dental cleaning, this plaque may push under the gum creating pockets for bacterial infections. The vets warn that in some cases, the bacteria can enter the pet's blood stream, damaging internal organs. The vets say a regular pet dental checkup should be part of routine wellness care.
Veterinarians Dr. Eric L. Eisen, Dr. Carla A. Anema and Dr. Erika Olson are educating pet owners about the importance of an annual pet dental cleaning. According to the vet team, many pet owners do not realize how poor oral health can seriously impact a pet's overall well-being.
"Our goal is to change public perception regarding the importance of pet dental care," said Dr. Eisen. "As a veterinarian, I meet many pet owners who believe that their pet's bad breath is completely normal. When actually bad breath is often a sign of a bacterial infection. It's a signal that the pet's oral health has been neglected – and the pet's overall well-being could be at risk."
Since animals cannot brush their own teeth, leftover food particles and bacteria can build up along the gum line. Swollen, bleeding or puffy gums characterize a bacterial infection. Changes to eating and drinking habits also signal an oral health problem, as can bad breath.
"We hope pet owners will consider pet dental care to be a vital component of their pet's overall wellness care," said Dr. Eisen.
Without proper treatment, the veterinary team says that a bacterial infection may enter the bloodstream, causing damage to the lungs, heart, kidneys and liver. In some cases, a pet's immune system may overreact to the infection. In an effort to fight back against the bacteria, the immune system will destroy the pet's own teeth. Even partial tooth loss can make eating or drinking difficult.
"The best way to avoid a bacterial infection is with an annual pet dental checkup," said Dr. Olson. "Pet dental cleaning is an essential part of wellness care that is just as important as annual vaccinations and exams."
The Lakewood vet located near Belmar provides full service veterinary care for the Denver metro area. Pet owners may learn more about the services and schedule a pet dental checkup by visiting the website at: http://www.wadsworthanimalhospital.com.