I want to send a personal invitation to you regarding some special offers that will be available next month.  February has, for many years, been recognized nationally as veterinary dental health month.  This is a month where we give special attention to the importance of dental health care for your pets.  While your pet's oral health is important all year long, we make an extra effort to educate our clients during this month.  We also want to give you an opportunity to more easily provide this important care to your pets.

Your pet may have dental disease, if you are noticing any of the following:

• Bad breath (halitosis)
  
• Reluctance to chew on hard food or treats
  
• Chewing on only one side
  
• Dropping food while eating or swallowing food whole (if unusual as compared to previous behavior)
  
• Pain or discomfort when handled or touched around face
• Swelling in cheek or jaw area
  
• Any other unusual or abnormal behavior (Cat's are notorious for "hiding" their dental disease from us)
  

Poor oral hygiene and health can progress to more than just bad breath.  Left untreated, periodontal disease or fractured teeth can lead to tooth loss, pain, and the introduction of bacteria into the blood stream that can affect multiple organs such as the heart and kidneys.  If Dr. Phelps or myself have suggested a dental cleaning for your pet, and you have yet to schedule it, now is the time.  We will be offering $15 off all dental cleanings performed during the month of February and will send you with a FREE home care product of your choice to help keep your pet's mouth healthy.  For your pet's safety, we do recommend preanesthetic lab-work be performed at least 2 days prior to a dental cleaning.  Please consider calling today to take advantage of this offer, as there are a limited number of appointments available.  We would love to hear from you, so we can assure your pet has a healthy smile.