CASTLE ROCK, Colo., Feb. 12, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — February is National Pet Dental Health Month. It’s a time when animal hospitals, including Brekke Veterinary Clinic, emphasize how pet owners can improve pet health and comfort through dental exams and regular tooth brushing. Dr. Jay Brekke at Brekke Veterinary Clinic conducts pet dental exams, cleans plaque from teeth, and performs extractions when teeth are fractured or infected.
To raise awareness for pet dental care Brekke Veterinary Clinic is offering $25 off any dental procedure during February!
Brekke Veterinary Clinic also teaches owners one of the most effective methods for minimizing pet dental disease — tooth brushing. Castle Rock veterinarian, Dr. Jay Brekke, DVM, says owners can protect pets against dental problems by learning how to gently brush their teeth once a day or at least once a week. To train your pet to be comfortable with a pet-size toothbrush, Dr. Brekke says, “Start by gently sliding one of your fingers up and down on your pet’s teeth. After doing this daily for about a week, switch to a toothbrush and specially formulated toothpaste with a flavor your pet may enjoy, such as beef or seafood.” Dr. Brekke also discusses the benefits of pet dental chews. Pets love brushing their teeth daily when it’s a treat!
Signs of periodontal (gum) disease in pets include bad breath, bleeding gums, stained teeth and gums, swollen gums, damage such as chipping and cracking, and chewing problems that can result in an unwillingness to eat.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) notes that 70 percent of cats and 80 percent of dogs have periodontal disease by the time they are three years old, and that when considering pet products claiming they are helpful for dental health, such as treats or special diets, it’s best to consult with veterinarian Dr. Brekke.
“We’re always willing to provide information helping customers to make the best choices for their pets,” Dr. Brekke says.
Mouth bacteria mixed with mucus and other particles leads to periodontal disease when it creates sticky, colorless plaque covering teeth. This substance hardens into tartar and reaches below the gum line creating pockets of bacteria that may harm internal organs as well as gums, teeth, and bone. To minimize stress to pets and to perform dentistry safely and efficiently, veterinarians need to anesthetize patients during teeth cleaning and other dental procedures.
Brekke Veterinary Clinic provides comprehensive medical services for pets, including emergency surgery. Treatment of hunting dogs is one of its specialties. Regular business hours for Monday, Wednesday and Friday are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the clinic is open an hour longer from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. After-hours emergency services and consulting are available Monday through Friday until midnight.
Additional information is available on their website at http://brekkevet.com/.