As part of National Pet Dental Month, Colorado State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital is offering free dental exams for pets from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Feb. 24. Examinations are open to all animals, regardless of age, and they need not have been previously treated by the university's Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Dental health is a serious issue for animals.
Periodontal disease can lead to more than just loss of teeth.
Kidney disease, respiratory diseases and other infections are related to poor dental hygiene. After a full oral exam, each animal will receive a written evaluation of the mouth for use by the family veterinarian. Kesel also will offer instruction on how to properly clean a pet's teeth. Kesel recommends that owners brush their pets' teeth regularly, at least twice a week, and advises that there are several good commercial tooth-cleaning products available. Never use human toothpaste, Kesel warns, since it contains a detergent that should not be swallowed by animals.