Ask the Dentist

Is it important to brush my pet’s teeth?

Posted

A: It is very important to brush your pet’s teeth.   Poor dental hygiene ultimately affects a pet’s internal organs.  

If plaque builds up over time, it turns into tartar, which impacts areas of the mouth that can “seed” to other parts of the body.   Over time, pets can suffer illnesses to the heart, liver, lungs, and other organs because the infection in their mouth spreads.  This process can start at a very early age as recent studies have suggested the majority of dogs and cats are diagnosed with some form of dental disease by their third birthday.  If you make brushing your pet’s teeth part of your routine, it should help prevent illness as well as bad breath.  

If you haven’t started yet, be certain to incorporate brushing your pet’s teeth into your daily routine.  You are a big part of the team in keeping your pet healthy.  Brushing your pet’s teeth will be one of the many ways you can help.  

If you are unable to brush your pet’s teeth, there are dental diets and treats that you can pick up from your veterinarian.  Also, your veterinarian can perform a dental cleaning which is extremely important on a regular basis even if you brush your pet’s teeth. 

Central Veterinary Associates has clinic locations throughout Nassau and Queens Counties, including Valley Stream, Great Neck, Bayside, Forest Hills, Far Rockaway and Mineola.  These clinics are backed by our 24/7/365 state of the art Valley Stream Animal Hospital which serves as an emergency and surgical facility, providing advanced diagostic and treatment services, pain management, dentistry and boarding services for our clients.  

Our staff includes 18 veterinarians plus a board certified general practitioner and certified veterinary acupuncturist, a board certified surgeon, radiologist, and internist who are available for consultation.

In addition to our expertise with dogs and cats, our practice includes an exotics department with a special interest in birds, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats, chinchillas and all reptiles and snakes.

You can reach us at 1-888-4CVA-PET. We are open at our Valley Stream location 24/7 including Halloween. For more information go to http://www.centralvets.com.