Are you avoiding that smooch from your pooch or those kisses from your kitty?  Your pet's bad breath could be a sign of tartar buildup or gum disease as well as other serious health problems.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats develop gum disease by the time they're three years old. Periodontal (gum) disease is the most common dental condition affecting dogs and cats, so it's very important that you take good care of their teeth.

Don’t be afraid to “flip the lip.”  It is important that you know what your pet’s mouth looks like. Are your pet’s teeth shiny and white or are they covered with tan/brown material? Are the gums pink or are they red and swollen?  

Proper dental hygiene is as important for your pet as it is for you. Consequences of poor dental hygiene include accumulation of dental tartar/calculus (commonly known as plaque), gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth loss, mouth sores/ulcers, as well as kidney, liver, and heart disease.

Dental care is a combined effort between the pet owner and the veterinarian.  Pet owners should take steps to keep their pet's teeth clean by feeding a quality diet, providing dental treats and brushing the teeth at home using a product specially formulated for animals.  At least once a year, your pet's teeth should be examined and professionally cleaned by your veterinarian. The doctors and staff at Knollwood Hospital for Pets will be glad to assist you in determining the proper dental hygiene program for your pet.

February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so what better time to take the “bite” out of gum disease in your dog or cat?  For our existing clients who use our professional dental services and purchase any dental home care products, we are offering a 10% credit of the select dental procedure’s total back to your account for use on future services or products.  And because we feel so strongly about your pet’s dental health, we are running this special offer from February 15th through March 31st!

Here’s how it works: The credit includes anesthetics and monitoring during your pet’s procedure, as well as any needed extractions or periodontal work.  Once all of our dental spots during this special time are filled, the offer will end – so please call right away to reserve your appointment.

The qualifiers to our dental special: You must be a current Knollwood client, your pet must have a current rabies vaccine, and he or she must have had a medical exam within the past 3 months (both by us, of course!).  The credit does not include preanesthetic testing, antibiotics, exams, or anything else you schedule to have done for your pet at the same time.  It isn’t retroactive for dental work done previously, nor can we give “rain checks.”  The discount will be given at the time services are rendered. 

Your pet will thank you and you’ll appreciate your pet’s cleaner, fresher breath!