This February at East Valley Emergency Pet Clinic, we're celebrating Pet Dental Awareness Month! While we focus on urgent and emergency pet health needs, our veterinary staff also wants to help fellow pet owners learn more about the importance of pet dental health.

Why is good dental health so important for my cat or dog?

Like with humans, animals with poor oral health are often struggling with other health problems and quality of life issues, sometimes serious ones. Taking preventative measures, like brushing your animal's teeth and getting your animal's teeth checked regularly, is one of the best ways to ensure that your cat or dog leads a long, healthy, happy life. 

What kinds of pet dental problems should I be on the lookout for?

Common oral health problems seen in cats and dogs which require professional veterinarian attention include: 

• periodontal disease
• broken teeth or roots
• infected teeth or abscesses
• oral cysts or tumors in and around the mouth
• broken or mis-aligned jaw bones

Are there signs and symptoms of pet dental health issues?

If your cat or dog exhibits any unusual or "new to you" behaviors or symptoms, it's important to speak with your veterinarian right away, since these symptoms could suggest a problem with dental health:

• Bad breath
• discolored or tartar-covered teeth
• extra teeth
• swelling or palpable lumps around the mouth
• bleeding from the mouth or gums
• abnormal or difficulty with chewing, drooling, or dropping of food from the mouth
• reduced appetite, disinterest in food, or refusal to eat

Connect With Your Local Diamond Bar Veterinarian Today

Sometimes, the unexpected happens. If you live locally to the Glendora, Ontario, Chino Hills, West Covina, and Diamond Bar CA areas, then be sure to keep our contact information handy in case you and your family experience a pet emergency. Hopefully, your pet won't have a health emergency any time soon.  But you can still celebrate Pet Dental Awareness Month with East Valley Emergency by calling to learn more about helpful tips and tricks to keep your animal's mouth, teeth, and gums in top condition!