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FEBRUARY / MARCH 2020 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 23
Fluffy Critters

PET TIPS•BREEDS•CARE•GROOMING

February National Pet Dental Health Month

Red gums and
BY MARY ANN REUtER yellowing teeth,

bad breath, and
Periodontal disease is mouth tender-
the most common clinical ness are all signs
condition in dogs and cats, of dental disease,
even though it’s completely according to Dr.
preventable, according to Woodington.
the American Veterinary Painful chewing,
Medicine Association. In fact, dropping food,
about 80 percent of dogs and and loose or bro-
70 percent of cats have some ken teeth, along
form of periodontal disease with poor appetite
by age three. and weight loss,
And it’s more than an indicate advanced
annoying case of dog breath, disease.
veterinarians say. Dental C a l l yo ur
disease not only causes dam- vet to schedule
age to teeth and gums, it can treatment imme-
affect internal organs, like Daily brushing is recommended for dogs and cats, but even three times a week can help prevent diately, and know
the heart, kidney, and liver. inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and bacteria under the gums (periodontitis). Together, these that the bill could
“With regular checkups two conditions are considered periodontal disease. © Photoboyko, Bigstock.com. run hundreds,
and preventive care, most of these serious The American Veterinary Medicine even thousands of dollars at this stage.
problems can be avoided,” said Matthew Association does not support anesthe- As with most health issues, an ounce of
Woodington, DVM, owner of Woodington sia-free dental cleanings. Alert animals prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you
Veterinary in Eagle, Idaho. will experience stress and pain during are unsure about brushing your pet’s teeth,
On a chilly Saturday afternoon, Dr. the procedure, which can result in less- ask your veterinarian or vet technician to
Woodington gave a talk to a local dog than-thorough cleaning below the gum show you how. Many clinics offer discounts
club called Must Love Dogs, Eagle Idaho. line—where it is needed most (not to men- on dental cleaning in February too.
The event was held in February, which is tion irritable pets are likely to bite!). In “While February is National Pet Dental
National Pet Dental Health Month, and addition, X-rays may be needed to deter- Month, dental health care should be a
featured a Valentine’s Day theme. The mine the extent of disease if it is advanced. priority for pet owners all year long,”
message? If you love your pets, brush their Not all pet parents adopt a puppy and Woodington advised. ISI
teeth between professional cleanings, and provide a lifetime of good dental hygiene,
know the signs of dental disease. like brushing with
Most people are in the habit of brush- a pet-friendly,
ing their teeth twice a day, to remove soft-bristled tooth-
plaque before it hardens into tartar. brush or finger Come to theTri-State at the Center of the Nation!
Daily brushing is recommended for dogs brush spread with
and cats as well, but even three times a tasty pet tooth-
week can help prevent inflammation of paste in chicken,
the gums (gingivitis) and bacteria under peanut butter, or The Tri-State Museum & Feb 1: First Saturday Brunch: Dawn Newland
Visitor Center, located in
the gums (periodontitis). Together, these beef favors. Some Belle Fourche,smack dab Feb 16: Family Fun Day: Jewelry
two conditions are considered periodon- families welcome in the middle of the U.S. Mar 7: First Saturday Brunch: Tipi Rings
tal disease. adult dogs from Mar 15: Family Fun Day: Clocks & Time
Most dental disease occurs below shelters or breed-
the gum line, where you can’t see it, Dr. ers who may not 415 Fifth Ave, Belle Fourche, SD
Woodington explained. The trapped bacte- have administered 605-723-1200 or 605-723-2010
ria cause infection that can damage teeth, regular preventive Mon–Sat 9am–4pm & Sun 1am–4pm
roots, and the tissues that connect the care. In those cases, Check out our website at:
teeth to the jawbone. This bacteria from knowing the signs thetristatemuseum.com
or visit us on Facebook!
tartar also enters the bloodstream, even- of dental disease
tually damaging vital organs. That’s why could be lifesaving.
veterinarians recommend regular dental Are pets close to your heart?
cleanings performed at the clinic, under
anesthesia.
Do you have a plan Our Legacy of Care program serves orphaned pets and
can provide loving care for your pet when you cannot.
for your pet's future? For peace of mind, it’s easy to make a legacy gift.
Contact Lori Heatherington at 406-752-7297 or email
[email protected] to request a Legacy of
Care brochure.

Humane Society of Northwest Montana
100 Adopt A Pet Way, PO Box 221
Kalispell, MT 59903 | humanesocietypets.com
Adopt – Donate – Volunteer