Show Me Your Pearly Whites!

  Posted on February 5, 2010  by Joy of Living  No comments

I went to have my check-up at the vet’s office a couple of weeks ago.  Turns out, I am in great shape, as I do run several miles each week. (Ladies, please take note!)  However, they admonished me for my less than stellar dental hygiene habits.  As such, my humans are now brushing my gophers every day.  I admit, I do feel better, but it is a pain to have them pull back my lips and go to work for a few minutes.  Can’t they just put me under for this procedure?  I did look in the mirror yesterday and have noticed an improvement.  I guess between my buff bod and my pearly whites, the ladies in the neighborhood will take notice!

In that vein, did you know that February  is Pet Dental Health Month? Ponder these statistics as you brush your teeth today:

At least eight out of ten dogs and seven out of ten cats show signs of poor dental health by the age of three. Just like with people, pets can present with dental problems thath can lead to pain, loss of teeth, periodontal disease and increased amounts of bacteria in their bloodstreams. In pets, this condition progresses in time, and can possibly result in significant damage to their internal organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Sadly, many pet owners are not aware of the importance of their pet’s dental health.  Talk with your veterinarian about your pet’s dental health. They are there to help you prevent and manage any dental issues before they become serious. You can visit the web site of my veterinarian at  http://www.stanleyvet.com and look for the article on “Periodontal Disease.”  Be sure to log in at the Pet Portal.

(Karen Harrison is owner of Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in the Kansas City metro area.  When she takes care of your pets, they are bound to smile and flash their pearly whites in complete satisfaction of the great care they receive from her!)