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Dog Dental Facts
		Puppies have 28 temporary teeth that erupt at about three to four weeks of age. They have 42 permanent teeth that begin to emerge at about four months.
		Symptoms of gum disease in dogs include yellow and brown build-up of tartar along the gum line, inflamed gums and persistent bad breath.
		Broken teeth are a common problem, especially among outdoor dogs. According to veterinary dental experts, aggressive chewing on hard objects, such as commercially available cow hooves, is a primary cause of broken teeth in dogs.

Cat Dental Facts
		Kittens have 26 temporary teeth that begin to erupt at about two to three weeks of age. They have 30 permanent teeth that erupt at about three to four months.
		Symptoms of periodontal disease in cats include yellow and brown tartar buildup along the gum line, red inflamed gums, and persistent bad breath.
		Resorptive lesions are the most common tooth disease in domestic cats. Studies show that about 28 percent of domestic cats develop at least one of these painful lesions during their lifetime.

Oral disease begins with a buildup of bacteria in the petīs mouth
		Bacteria, combined with saliva and food debris between the tooth and gum, can cause plaque formulations that accumulate on the tooth. As bacteria grow in the plaque and as calcium salts are deposited, plaque turns to tartar.
		Bacterial plaque is the most important substrate in the development of periodontal disease. The inflammation and destruction that accompanies periodontal disease results from the direct action of bacteria and their by-products on periodontal tissues as well as the indirect activation of the host immune response.
		Without proper preventive or therapeutic care, plaque and tartar buildup leads to periodontal disease, which affects the tissues and structures supporting the teeth. Left untreated, periodontal disease can cause oral pain, dysfunction, tooth loss and systemic complications.

Periodontitis may lead to other health problems
		Periodontal disease causes red, swollen and tender gums, receding gums, bleeding, pain and bad breath. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.
		The inflammation and infection associated with periodontal disease may damage other organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, or lead to other serious health problems.    Pet owners should look for warning signs of oral disease Common indications of oral disease include bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face or mouth and depression. If any of these signs are present, the pet should be taken to the veterinarian for a dental exam. Please call us @ 604-583-7387. How to brush your Dog's Teeth Step 1 - Select an appropriate time Find a quiet, convenient time when you and your dog are both relaxed. Step 2 - Acquaint your dog with the process. For the first few sessions don't even use a toothbrush. Gently stroke the outside of  her cheeks with your finger.  After she becomes comfortable with that, place a dab of toothpaste on your finger and let her taste it.  We usually suggest starting with C.E.T. poultry flavored toothpaste, because pets like the taste..  Step 3 - Introduce the Toothbrush Place a small amount of toothpaste on the brush.  In a slow circular motion, brush one or two teeth and the adjoining gum line.  The purpose of this step is to get your dog accustomed to the feel of the brush. Step 4 - Begin Brushing Over the next several days, gradually increase the number of teeth brushed.  It is important to eventually brush the rear teeth where plaque and tartar have a greater tendency to accumulate.  Go slowly and gently.  Stop brushing when you decide to stop, before your dog begins to fuss.  If she learns to dislike the procedure and finds out that fussing makes you stop quicker, then this brushing business is going to get harder, not easier. Build up to about 30 seconds per side.  Dogs don't get much tartar on the inside surfaces of their teeth, so you only need to worry about the outside surfaces   Be sure to brush the big teeth way in back.  Make tooth brushing a pleasurable experience Proceed slowly and gently.  Stop each session while it is still fun and   lavishly praise your dog afterwards.  She will soon start looking forward to tooth brushing and it will become a pleasant activity for both of you.    How to brush your Cat's Teeth Step 1 - Select an appropriate time Find a quiet, convenient time when you and your cat are both relaxed. Step 2 - Acquaint your cat with the process. For the first few sessions don't even use a toothbrush.  Hold your cat the same as when you are cuddling her.  Gently stroke the outside of her cheeks with your finger.  After she becomes comfortable with that, place a dab of toothpaste on your finger and let her taste it.  We usually suggest starting with C.E.T. poultry flavored toothpaste, because pets like the taste. Step 3 - Introduce the Toothbrush Place a small amount of toothpaste on the brush.  In a slow circular motion, brush one or two teeth and the adjoining gum line.  The purpose of this step is to get your cat accustomed to the feel of the brush. Step 4 - Begin Brushing Over the next several days, gradually increase the number of teeth brushed.  It is important to eventually brush the rear teeth where plaque and tartar have a greater tendency to accumulate.  Go slowly and gently..  Stop brushing when you decide to stop, before your cat begins to fuss.  If she learns to dislike the procedure and finds out that more fussing makes you stop quicker, then this brushing business is going to get harder, not easier. Build up to about 30 seconds per side.  Cats don't get much tartar on the inside surfaces of their teeth, so you only need to worry about the outside surfaces, especially the big teeth way in back.  Make tooth brushing a pleasurable experience Proceed slowly and gently.  Stop each session while it is still fun and   praise your cat afterwards.  She will soon start looking forward to tooth brushing and it will become a pleasant activity for both of you.      There are special formulated veterinary foods that can help reduce the risk of tartar build up.