February is Dental Health month. While the cost of taking care of your pet's dental health can sometimes seem costly for a somewhat cosmetic procedure, much like your own dental health, your pet’s dental health can have an impact on your pet’s overall wellness.

Here are six signs that your pet is in need of a dental exam and dental care.
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While these signs may signify that your pet may have an immediate dental need that needs to be addressed, it is important that your pet receives regular dental checkups and cleanings. 

• For many there is nothing sweeter than their pet leaning in for a sloppy kiss.  But for many pets, their breath isn’t so sweet and stinky breath can be a warning sign of periodontal disease.
• If your pet is having trouble or suddenly loses interest in eating, your pet might need dental care immediately.  These are signs of an oral infection, which may be caused by gum disease.
• If your pet develops swelling, bleeding or inflamed gums, this may be a sign of a bacterial infection. Left untreated this infection can spread to other parts of the body.
• While you may think that it is normal for your pet to lose teeth as they age, broken or loose teeth may be a sign of a more serious problem. It may signify a bacterial infection in the roots of the teeth. 
• If your pet has a growth or tumor on their gum, it is important to have it checked out by your veterinarian.  A growth could signify cancer and may require more in-depth dental care to protect your pet’s life
• If your pet begins pawing at their face or drooling it may indicate that your pet has a dental abscess due to a bacterial infection, fighting or a broken tooth from chewing on hard items such as rocks.

​Cold Weather Tips for Pets:

The bitter cold weather is upon us.  When dogs and cats lived in the wild, cold weather was rarely a problem because they evolved to suit the climates in which they found themselves. 
Domesticated animals are just that domesticated.  For instance, a husky who is an indoor/outdoor dog should not be left outside for long periods of time in the cold and snow.  They are not acclimated to the cold.  
Dogs and cats aren't made for frigid conditions. They get just as cold in icy weather as people do. And because they go barefoot all the time, their paws are vulnerable to ice, packed snow, and road salt. In extreme conditions, they can get frostbite.
•    During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape. 
•    Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags or better yet micro chipped. 
•    Thoroughly wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice. 
•    Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear. 
•    Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death. 
•    Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself. 
•    Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him—and his fur—in tip-top shape. 
•    Coolant and antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center more information. 
•    Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect. 
If you follow these tips and take care to ensure warm dry housing for both you and your pet, the winter will be better for all.