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Did you know that by age two, most pets have
already reached adulthood? And when it comes
to their health care, a visit to the veterinarian
every year is equivalent to a person seeing his
or her doctor every seven years.
Aging is a natural and inevitable process that
we all face. Pets, however, age much faster
than people. Today, the average life span of
dogs is about thirteen years and cats can live
much longer. By the time a pet reaches age
four, it’s considered middle aged. At the age
of seven, many dogs have already started
their senior years. Because dogs and cats age
more rapidly than people the potential onset
of serious illness or disease occurs over a
shorter time period for pets.
According to American Veterinary Medicine
Association Immediate Past President Jack
O. Walther, DVM, “Advances in veterinary
medicine have led to an increased percentage
of aging cats and dogs in this country. But
unlike people, cats and dogs can’t tell you
where it hurts.” Dr. Walther tells his clients
that a pet wellness exam every six months
enables early detection and treatment of
potentially life-threatening conditions.
Pet wellness exams typically involve routine
screenings for diseases, a physical exam and
consultation with the veterinarian about the
pet’s weight, dental health, behavior and other
issues. The goals of twice-a-year exams are
to prevent or minimize disease or injury,
enhance quality of life, and maximize longevity.
Pet owners are strongly encouraged to adopt
a schedule that includes twice-a-year wellness
exams. The sooner a veterinarian can detect
a problem, the more likely they can address
it. Quite often, routine screenings help identify
potentially serious problems like liver disease,
diabetes, heartworm disease, kidney disease
and thyroid issues. Then, the veterinarian can
make recommendations to the owner, and
possibly make a real difference in longevity.
In October, veterinarians across the country
will celebrate National Pet Wellness Month by
helping pet owners learn more about the pet
aging process and the health benefits of
twice-a-year wellness exams.
February
Dental Month
Dental and gum disease are the most common health problems that threaten dogs and cats. Up to 80 percent of all pets over two years old are affected by periodontal disease, which is caused by buildup of bacterial plaque on teeth. Just as with people, professional teeth cleanings and routine oral care at home for your pet can help prevent or slow a number of dental problems. If periodontal disease is not stopped, it can lead to constant pain for your pet, difficulty eating and even tooth loss. The bacteria from plaque also may enter the bloodstream and slowly poison vital internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, heart and lungs. Give us a call if you see signs such as bleeding or inflamed gums, loose teeth, excessive salivation or bad breath. We can clean your pet's teeth above and below the gum line, improving the life and health of your pet.
The best way to learn whether your pet has a dental problem is simply to raise his or her lips and have a good look at the teeth and gums. If you notice "gunk" (tartar), stains, or other buildup on the teeth and gums from saliva or food residue, you should give us a call. Also look for bleeding or swollen gums (gingivitis) and loose or missing teeth. Other warning signs include drooling, excessive licking and reluctance to eat or chew. Keep in mind that even if your pet is acting normally, he can still feel pain. Dental problems-especially periodontal disease-can become very serious before you even notice a problem. A dental checkup along with a thorough cleaning is one of the best steps you can take toward the livelihood of your pet.
good news about oral disease is that many cases are highly preventable. Your pet should have his teeth professionally cleaned at least once a year, starting at one year of age. This proactive treatment is aimed at maintaining natural oral defenses so periodontal disease and other dental problems have a harder time becoming established. But you also have a role to play. Annual preventive dental cleanings are most effective with regular oral home care. That's where you come in. A good home-care program incorporates several methods of plaque control, extending the positive effects of professional cleaning. Ask us for a demonstration on how to care for your pet's teeth. We can help you learn techniques, including brushing, that keep your pet's mouth clean and healthy.
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