Why Dental Health Is So Important for Your Pet
February is Pet Dental Health Month, making it the perfect time to focus on an important part of your pet’s overall wellness that often gets overlooked— their teeth and gums.
Just like people, dogs and cats can develop plaque, tartar, and gum disease. Without regular care, dental problems can lead to pain, infection, tooth loss, and even impact your pet’s heart, kidneys, and other organs.
At Animal Health Center of Leawood, we often see pets with dental disease that could have been prevented with early care and routine checkups.
Signs Your Pet May Have Dental Disease. Many pets hide discomfort, which means dental disease can progress before owners realize something is wrong.
Watch for signs such as:
• Bad breath
• Yellow or brown buildup on teeth
• Red or swollen gums
• Dropping food or chewing on one side
• Pawing at the mouth
• Decreased appetite
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule a dental exam with your veterinarian.
How Veterinary Dental Care Helps: A professional veterinary dental cleaning goes far beyond brushing.
At our Leawood clinic, dental care may include:
• Oral examination
• Professional dental cleaning
• Removal of plaque and tartar
• Dental X-rays when needed
• Treatment for infected or damaged teeth
Regular dental care not only keeps your pet’s mouth healthy, it also helps support their overall wellness and longevity.
At-Home Dental Care Tips. While professional cleanings are important, there are also ways you can help protect your pet’s teeth at home:
• Brush your pet’s teeth with pet-safe toothpaste
• Offer veterinarian-recommended dental chews
• Provide dental diets designed to reduce plaque
• Schedule routine veterinary exams
Schedule a Pet Dental Exam in Leawood. Dental disease is one of the most common health conditions in dogs and cats, but it’s also one of the most preventable.
If it has been a while since your pet’s last dental checkup, February is a great time to schedule an appointment.
The team at Animal Health Center of Leawood is here to help keep your pet healthy—from nose to tail, and teeth to paws.
