February is Pet Dental Month

The American Veterinary Medical Association has declared February “National Pet Dental Health Month”.   Pets struggle with a variety of dental problems including periodontal disease, alignment issues, and fractured teeth in carnivores and overgrown teeth making it difficult to eat in herbivores.  Besides causing pain, infection from the mouth may spread throughout the body infecting everything from heart valves to the kidneys.  Therefore, it is vital to check your pet’s mouth frequently and perform home care.  Remember, “Pets need dental care, too.”    

Pictured below is a cat with a painful, fractured lower canine tooth that I found on physical examination. 

Published by kristennelsondvm

Dr. Kristen Nelson grew up on a farm in Watertown, Minn., where she developed a deep love for animals of all kinds. She received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine. Kris then completed a small-animal internship at the prestigious Animal Medical Center in New York City. In addition to writing and speaking, she cares for small and exotic animals in Scottsdale, Az. Dr. Nelson is widely quoted in the media. Her credits include Ladies’ Home Journal, USA TODAY, the Los Angeles Times and numerous radio and television interviews. Dr. Nelson has written two books, Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life and Coated With Fur: A Blind Cat’s Love. Kris and her husband Steve share their home with rescued cats, birds and a dog.