Happy New Year to the wonderful people, families and pets that Centre Street Animal Hospital has the pleasure of providing care for.

As pet lovers, we at the hospital know how important your pets are to making your family complete. We are very pleased to be part of your animal care family.

2013 was a great year for our clinic. This year we introduced new technologies such as ScanX Quantum Computerized Radiography system that is helping us provide better care for your animal companions.

This new technology builds on other innovative features that we previously introduced, including the great customer service features we put on our website such as online appointment scheduling and online prescription refilling.

We sincerely hope that 2013 was a great year for your families as well. In 2014, we will continue making improvements to help keep your pet as an important part of your family for years to come.

February is Dental Health Month

We have spoken with many of you about your pet’s dental health. You have probably heard us say that your pet’s dental health affects their overall well-being. It’s true.

Dental health is just as important for pets as it is for humans, yet it’s the one area of animal health that often gets overlooked. That’s why regular oral and dental health check-ups are an essential part of your pet’s overall health.

 

 

At the Centre Street Animal Hospital, we are always focused on your pet’s dental health, but February is National Dental Health Month, and so will be giving some extra attention to this aspect of your pet’s overall health.

There are some common dental concerns that people bring to our attention or that we notice in examinations.

Bad Breath – From time to time you have probably found that your pet has bad breath. Don’t feel bad – it’s a common concern. But it really puts a damper on cuddle time!

Periodontal DiseasePeriodontal disease is very common in dogs and cats of all ages. As food particles accumulate on the teeth and harden into tartar, the pockets between the gums and teeth fill with bacteria that makes its way from your pet’s mouth and into its system.

Bacterial infection can spread from the mouth to the heart, kidneys and liver.

Other Dental Concerns

When you look in your pet’s mouth, you may notice some things that cause concern. These include:

  • Brown or yellow discoloration of teeth
  • Loss of teeth
  • Reddened gums (gingivitis)
  • Excessive salvation

If you notice any of the following, please make an appointment so we can have a look. It’s probably something that needs a proper medical treatment.

Looking Ahead to National Dental Month

Sadly, many dental issues are not brought to our attention until they are quite serious. So, let’s work together to stay on top of your pet’s dental health.

If you book an appointment using – either online or by calling the clinic – we will give your pet my full attention and make sure your companion is getting the best treatment.

You may have concerns that a dental examination may be uncomfortable for your pet. You needn’t worry. Our team is highly experienced, and we take the time to create a calm, soothing environment for your pet.

In February’s blog post, I will describe the dental cleaning procedures that we provide at the clinic.

Check back here to learn about the procedures and their role in providing you and your family with many years of health and happiness.