Created with the goals of decreasing oral pain and improving the quality of life for companion animals, the 2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats help veterinary practitioners expand upon their current client education efforts. This will help pet owners better understand that periodontal disease can be prevented through regular dental examinations and proper home care.
Source: AAHA Press, March 6, 2019. Link.
“Regular dental care is one of the most powerful ways we can improve the quality of life of our patients,” said AAHA Chief Executive Officer Michael Cavanaugh, DVM, DABVP (Emeritus). “AAHA continues to support the use of general anesthesia in dental procedures to promote appropriate diagnostic capabilities and decrease patient stress, injury, and risk of aspiration. Because home care is crucial in the support of a healthy, pain-free mouth, client communication and education remain central to these guidelines.”
2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. Link. Printable PDF available here.