Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
In the words of Lucy on Charlie Brown, “Ugh! I’ve been kissed by a dog! I have dog germs! Get hot water! Get some disinfected! Get some some Iodine!” We’ve all experienced it, the dirty dogs, or stinky cat’s breath almost blowing us over with a lingering aroma that only a pet owner can remotely tolerate. This smelly breath is even more spot-on in our aging pets.
Keeping your pet’s teeth clean is vital at an early age. Many veterinarians recommend cleaning your furry friend’s teeth daily with an enzymatic pet-friendly toothpaste and toothbrush. Getting Fido or Fluffy use to the idea of brushing can take time, so small increments of success and reward are the key until they are comfortable with the concept of brushing.
Your pet’s oral health has a lot more to do with their overall health than you may be aware of. Just like with humans, the plaque build-up on teeth, says a lot about the plaque build-up in their bloodstream, arteries, and organs. The same is true with periodontal disease and inflammation of the gum tissue. If this infection and bacteria are left untreated, your pet’s vital organs will most likely be negatively affected with a disease by the germs and microorganisms that attack their delicate immune system.
If your dog has advanced plaque build up and bacteria lingering in it’s mouth, the veterinarian can clean it up with a prophylaxis (just like a human dental cleaning). If additional tooth repair is needed, your veterinarian is highly qualified in getting that accomplished within the procedure.
Your pet will need to be under anesthesia for the cleaning, as this is the conventional method that all veterinarians use. It allows them to be able to make an advantageous assessment and produces the best outcome since your pet will be relaxed and experiencing no apprehension during the treatment.
It’s recommended that pets have their teeth professionally cleaned around three years of age, but it’s never too late to have the procedure performed. Keeping their teeth clean can significantly increase the quality and length of life for your dearly loved pets.
Best Friends Animal Hospital
Best Friends Animal Hospital believes in providing quality health care for your pet in a warm and welcoming environment. Their doctors routinely attend educational seminars to stay abreast of the latest medical treatments and technologies. Their hospital also prides itself on having state-of-the-art equipment including a digital X-ray machine and surgical laser, both of which are used in human medicine. The digital X-ray machine allows them to take high-quality radiographs in seconds and gives their doctors images with better diagnostic quality. The surgical laser helps to decrease pain and bleeding as well as increase healing speed of the incision.
Best Friends Animal Hospital offers free 24-hour access to your pet’s medical record through a pet portal, as well as home delivery of your pet’s prescriptions through an online store. Their online Pharmacy carries prescription medications, heartworm, flea and tick preventative, pet food, treats, and toys.
The doctors and staff are devoted to helping your pets’ live longer, healthier and happier lives because they understand what an important member of your family your pet. Their knowledgeable staff is available to answer any questions you may have, and they look forward to seeing you and your pet(s) soon. Please visit their website to find out more, or call them to book your appointment.
Best Friends Animal Hospital
12220 Towne Lake Dr., Suite 50
Fort Myers, FL 33913
Phone: 239-768-7387
www.bestfriendsanimalhosp.com
