Do pets make you smile? Get their teeth checked
ROSEBURG, Ore. -- Veterinarians are asking pet owners to show their animals a little love this month.
February is national Pet Dental Health Month.
Officials say that pets need to have regular dental check-ups.
"They have the same problems with teeth that people do," said Christy Cutting, a local veterinarian. "A lot of people don't realize that, but they get tartar and plaque and dental disease, gingivitis, and those things lead to health problems."
That's why Dr. Cutting said it's important to have your furry friend's mouth looked at every year.
She also adds that oral health issues can be a sign of something more serious going on in the body.
Cutting says that there are a few things pet owners can do to help their animals' dental health before their pets head to the veterinarian. "The thing about cleaning a dog or cats teeth, is that it's not easy. There's brushing, that would then help prevent the need for getting the dog or cat's teeth cleaned."
Cutting says that veterinarians will check an animal's mouth during a regular check up, so she recommends getting your pets in to visit their vet.
