February is Pet Dental Health Month

Although February is designated as pet dental health month, it is important to take care of our pet’s teeth each and every day! Dogs and cats use their mouths not only for eating and drinking but all their communication, play, defense, grooming and affection!

Periodontal disease is the single most common disease our pets face. Untreated periodontal disease can lead to other medical problems such as liver, kidney and heart disease as well as symptoms of vomiting, decreased grooming and overall pain.

If you have any questions about your pet’s dental health, see if you can take a peek inside their mouth. Any redness of the gum line, discoloration of the tooth or that dreaded “dog or cat breath” is an indication of periodontal disease. Set up an appointment to see what you can do to give comfort and cleanliness to your pet’s mouth.

If your pet has healthy teeth and gums now (or is a puppy or kitten), try these instructions from Dr. Bill Rosenblad, Board Certified Veterinary Dentist from Angell Animal Medical Center

How to Brush Your Pet's Teeth

• Dental disease (especially periodontal disease) is the most common disease in pet dogs and cats. It is also one of the most preventable or reducible diseases in our pets by feeding a crunchy diet, appropriate chew treats and toys and daily tooth brushing.
• The first step is to start with a clean, healthy mouth, such as with a young pet with healthy new teeth and gums or after your pet has had a professional dental cleaning.
• You will need a soft-bristled toothbrush and veterinary toothpaste. Human toothpastes and baking soda may cause problems with dogs and cats. Veterinary toothpastes have flavors that are appealing to dogs and cats. Anything other than a bristled toothbrush will not get below the gum line (the most important area to brush).
• There are several important facts about our pets' mouths that tell us when, where, and how to brush. Periodontal disease in dogs and cats usually affects the upper, back teeth first and worst. Plaque builds up on the tooth surface daily, especially just under the gum line. It takes less than 36 hours for this plaque to become mineralized and harden into "tartar" (calculus) that cannot be removed with a brush. Because of this progression, brushing should be done daily, with a brush to remove the plaque from under the gum line.
• Pick a time of day that will conveniently become part of your pet's and your daily routine. For dogs, just before a walk and for both dogs and cats, before a daily treat can help your pet actually look forward to brushing time. Take a few days to let both of you get used to the process. Follow with praise and a walk or treat each time. Start by offering them a taste of the veterinary toothpaste. The next time, let them taste the toothpaste, then run your finger along the gums of the upper teeth. Repeat the process with the toothbrush. Get the bristles of the brush along the gum line of the upper back teeth and angle slightly up, so the bristles get under the gum line. Work from back to front, making small circles along the gum lines. It should take you less than 30 seconds to brush your pet's teeth. Do not try to brush the entire mouth at first. If all that your pet lets you brush is the outside of the upper teeth, you are still addressing the most important area of periodontal disease prevention. If your pet eventually allows you to brush most of their teeth, so much the better.
• Even with the best tooth brushing, some dogs and cats may still need an occasional professional cleaning, just like humans. By brushing your pet's teeth daily, curtailing the amount of periodontal disease, you may reduce the frequency and involvement of dental cleanings and provide your pet with a healthier, sweeter smile.

Please note that we have changed our focus from Heartworm prevention to parasite prevention for all our canine patients.

We are fortunate to not have a high incidence of heartworm in this area. This is due to high compliance by our dog owners as well as the ever changing climate here in New England.

However, we have plenty of other parasites that can affect BOTH pets and humans called intestinal parasites. The most common ones we detect are roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. The parasites are found in fecal matter and are easily transmitted by walking on contaminated soil, licking paws, etc.

Humans are most often exposed by walking barefoot or not practicing proper hygiene. By using Interceptor, a common heartworm preventative, we are able to help decrease the occurrence of these parasites in our pets and therefore in us too!

Please consider year-round use of Interceptor for parasite control for your family.

We are excited to be able to offer limited massage therapy during March as the Beverly Animal Natural Health Center is participating in a special internship program with the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy.

Their goal is to extend their years of experience in massage therapy to the animal world. The students are trained in small animal anatomy, behavior and handling as well as other energy healing modalities for animals. Cattie Coyle will be offering both cat and dog massage therapy.

If you are interested in this unique opportunity for your pet, please contact Dr Crowley directly at drcrowley@banhc.com for availability.

Western Veterinary Conference

Dr Ricketts will be attending the Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas from February 20th to the 24th. This is a first rate conference for exciting education opportunities that has been held in Las Vegas since the 1920s. WVC is unique in the number, spectrum, depth and diversity of learning opportunities, typically offering more than 800+ sessions, 20 or more focused symposia and more than 30 hands-on laboratories as well as numerous networking opportunities.