February is National Pet Dental Health Month

Information provided by American Veterinary Medical Foundation

Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health, and dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems. Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian to check for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy. Oral health in dogs and cats

Have your pet’s teeth checked sooner if you observe any of the following problems:

  • bad breath
  • broken or loose teeth
  • extra teeth or retained baby teeth
  • teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
  • abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
  • reduced appetite or refusal to eat
  • pain in or around the mouth
  • bleeding from the mouth
  • swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth

Some pets become irritable when they have dental problems, and any changes in your pet’s behavior should prompt a visit to your veterinarian. Always be careful when evaluating your pet’s mouth, because a painful animal may bite.

Causes of pet dental problems

Although cavities are less common in pets than in people, they can have many of the same dental problems that people can develop:

  • broken teeth and roots
  • periodontal disease
  • abscesses or infected teeth
  • cysts or tumors in the mouth
  • malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth and bite
  • broken (fractured) jaw
  • palate defects (such as cleft palate)

Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats – by the time your pet is 3 years old, he or she will very likely have some early evidence of periodontal disease, which will worsen as your pet grows older if effective preventive measures aren’t taken. Early detection and treatment are critical, because advanced periodontal disease can cause severe problems and pain for your pet. Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth. Other health problems found in association with periodontal disease include kidney, liver, and heart muscle changes.

It starts with plaque that hardens into tartar. Tartar above the gumline can often easily be seen and removed, but plaque and tartar below the gumline is damaging and sets the stage for infection and damage to the jawbone and the tissues that connect the tooth to the jaw bone. Periodontal disease is graded on a scale of 0 (normal) to 4 (severe).

The treatment of periodontal disease involves a thorough dental cleaning and x-rays may be needed to determine the severity of the disease. Your veterinarian will make recommendations based on your pet’s overall health and the health of your pet’s teeth, and provide you with options to consider.

Featured Dog- Max

 

Max  a sweet boy, that is enjoys walks, and loves to play with his toys. He is a big boy, so a home with a fenced yard where he can run around is needed as he will wander looking for adventures. He is about 3 years old and very active. He bonds quickly and does not like being alone. He is very strong.

Other available dogs

Koda- Koda is a gentle giant! He does NOT enjoy the company of small children. He loves taking walks, Nylabones, and getting attention. With proper introduction, Koda gets along with most dogs. He is house-trained, well behaved and an overall sweetheart! He has lost over 40 pounds since coming to the shelter and getting a healthy diet and exercise. No steps

Peanut -SENIOR border collie/beagle blend. Peanut does like other dogs; cats unknown and is housebroken.  He loves going for walks. Peanut would do best in a quiet adult home with no children. You need to meet him outside his cage to appreciate this dog.

Fera-Lovely lady. Housetrained. No other dogs please. She loves going for walks and belly rubs. She can be quite vocal so apartment living is not for her. Strong

 

Featured Cat- Pandora

 

Pandora is about 1 year old. She is a shy gentle cat  who is very easily handled and loves attention. she may take a little time to settle into your home but once she is feeling safe she is very affectionate and loving. She is learning to play with toys. She has been around other cats but can be intimidated by them .

 

Other available cats

 

Kiki Dee-SENIOR She needs a quieter atmosphere and would appreciate a home with adults only or calm older children. She is low maintenance, low fuss, the perfect housemate.  She would do best as only cat in home as she doesn’t like a lot of competition for her affection. She is quite striking in her looks and beautiful soft coat.

 

Miss Kitty- 5 years old. She is very friendly and easily handled. Miss Kitty is a little shy until she feels safe and comfortable with her new surroundings. She loves being petted and sitting with you and enjoying your company.

 

The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter located at 795 Hardy Way is open for adoptions from 8:00 am until 4 pm Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), Saturday 11am-1pm , Sunday 1pm -3pm. Please call – Animal Control may be reached by phone or voicemail at 702-346-5268 

All animals will be spayed or neutered prior to leaving shelter and receive 1 year rabies vaccination and city license. Ages are approximate.

 We get animals into the shelter and out of the shelter every day. The animals submitted to the media may have changed so please visit our Petfinder website for a current listing and more detailed information on the animals. www.mesquiteanimalshelter.petfinder.com

Please also check our Facebook pages for lost and found animals along with pet information. https://www.facebook.com/MesquiteNVAnimalControl  and https://www.facebook.com/FRIENDSOFMESQUITENVANIMALSHELTER