Rainbow Veterinary Hospital Stresses the Importance of Pet Dental Care

BURBANK, Calif., Feb. 07, 2016 -- February is Pet Dental Health Month and Rainbow Veterinary Hospital is marking the occasion with a special on complete dental services.  Until February 29, pet patients can receive a complete dental cleaning at a discount of $100.  Their complete dental services include safe anesthesia services, pre-anesthetic blood work, IV fluids, X-rays, dental cleaning, and any necessary oral extractions. Dental cleanings are performed under anesthesia to ensure the safety of the pet and allow the clinician to perform a thorough cleaning. Carefully administered, anesthesia is considered safe for most pets.

Dr. Timothy Metzger of Rainbow Veterinary Hospital welcomes February as Pet Dental Health Month as an opportunity to discuss his clients' needs for year-round dental care. "This month opens up opportunities for veterinarians to have open, honest discussions with their clients about their pet's dental care. Many times, otherwise loving pet owners do not think about their pet’s oral health needs on a daily basis. They think that if their pet has crunchy food or has a dental chewy toy, then that is sufficient to protect their teeth and gums from tartar build up and disease.  While these things help, they are not a viable substitute for daily brushing and annual professional cleanings," stated Dr. Metzger. 

Dr. Metzger recommends that most dogs and cats be seen at least once a year for comprehensive dental examinations and cleanings. "When pets are seen annually, we can often diagnose dental problems, such as gum disease, in their earliest stages which is beneficial for the patient," stated Dr. Metzger. "Pet parents also may not realize that gum disease can cause health problems beyond tooth loss. The bacteria that grows and causes periodontal disease can enter the pet's bloodstream and also cause organ damage. The heart, liver, and kidneys are all susceptible to damage from this bacteria."

Daily brushing and annual dental care are extremely important weapons in the fight against periodontal disease in pets. Dr. Metzger also urges his clients to bring their pets in at the first sign of dental problems, even if it is not time for an annual visit. "Symptoms like excessive drooling, visibly red and inflamed gums, bleeding, and refusal to eat are clear signs of oral problems in a pet. Additional symptoms like bad breath may have other causes, but a veterinarian can correctly diagnose the origin of any symptoms presented," stated Dr. Metzger.

To make an appointment or inquire about dental services, contact Rainbow Veterinary Hospital at 818-846-1166. Regular office hours are from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays. Rainbow Veterinary Hospital is located at 2321 West Empire Avenue, Burbank, CA 91054. To learn more about pet dental care and their services, visit them online at www.rainbowvethospital.com.

Rainbow Veterinary Hospital, 818-846-1166