Page 9 - Palm City Spotlight - March '21

DOUBLE SPACE
Palm City Spotlight, Page 9

tip of the tail

Dental Care Imagine if we didn’t brush or floss our teeth for weeks or the jaw bone itself can break or disintegrate. Additionally, this
months on end. Yikes. It’s no wonder our pets’ breath smells bacteria can enter the bloodstream and go anywhere the blood
badly when we aren’t able to provide routine oral care. Dental goes, including the kidneys and heart.
health is an important part of your pet’s overall health. Just like Luckily there are things we can do to ensure that these
humans, our pet canine and feline companions require routine sequela do not occur. Ideally, we would treat our pets’ mouths
dental care to keep them healthy. In fact, most pets will have similarly to ours with daily brushing, but this is often not
periodontal disease by 3 years of age. This is especially true possible for a variety of reasons. Nonetheless, it’s a good idea
with smaller breeds of dogs and cats. when you acquire a new pet to try to acclimate them to routine
So what actually happens to our pets’ teeth when they don’t brushing. When attempting to brush the teeth, ensure you are
get regular oral care? Plaque can accumulate from leftover using a pet toothpaste, as human toothpastes are not suitable.
food and saliva, and when left on the teeth or around the gums, If regular brushing is not possible, there are several suitable
it will mineralize into tartar or calculus. This is what your dental chews and treats available. When choosing a dental
dental hygienist scrapes away at your regular appointments. chew, make sure that it has the approval of the Veterinary Oral
If not removed, this tartar creates inflammation from bacteria, Health Council to ensure it will be safe and effective for your
gingivitis and bone loss. With bone loss, the attachment of the pet. Even still, dental chews should be given with supervision.
tooth is compromised and the tooth will be lost, in some cases Another important part of preventing periodontal disease is
a professional cleaning with your veterinarian, much like you
get at your dentist. To ensure that each tooth will receive the
proper attention and care, you should expect general anesthesia
for this routine procedure. Dental radiographs may be needed,
just as they are during your appointments. Most pets will
benefit from having this professional cleaning performed every
year. If you have any questions about your pet’s individualized
dental care plan, your veterinary care team can assist you.
Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center is
dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pets. With
focuses on compassionate care in surgery, physical therapy and
rehabilitation, preventative medicine, extensive diagnostics,
and emergency service, Palm City Animal Medical Center
combines exceptional medical care with a caring philosophy
for pets and their owners. For more information, call (772)
283-0920, visit www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find
us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.

NoNprofit

NewS

Piper’s Landing’s Giving Tree
Donation To SafeSpace

By Jackie Holfelder
Every year since 2009, the Piper’s Landing Women’s Golf
Association (PLWGA), has chosen a local nonprofit to be
the recipient of its “Giving Tree” outreach initiative.
A tree with donation tags is put up during the Thanksgiving-
Christmas holiday season and Piper’s Landing residents write
an amount they’d like to contribute to the 501(c)(3). Previous
recipients include House of Hope and Council on Aging of
Martin County’s Meals on Wheels program.
On Jan. 19, PLWGA President Pamela Van presented a
check for $4,010 to Dr. Teresa Albizu, CEO of SafeSpace.
The PLGWA chose SafeSpace to receive the giving tree
donations in 2020 because it provides more than just a safe
haven for victims of domestic violence on the Treasure
Coast. Legal assistance, financial literacy training, emotional
and mental health counseling, community outreach and
prevention services are also provided.
Van stated, “2020 has taken a toll on all of us, but
victims of domestic violence have been impacted more
than anyone. So many jobs have become work from home
– the victim and the abuser are together 24/7 with no easy
escape. It is gratifying to be able to support a worthy
organization like SafeSpace.”
For more information about SafeSpace, visit www.
safespacefl.org or call (772) 223-2399. It is the only certified
domestic violence center saving lives and preventing
domestic violence throughout Indian River, Martin and St.
Lucie counties. Help is available 24/7 by calling its Hotline,
(772) 288-7023.
Photo provided by SafeSpace

Pamela Van, president of Piper’s Landing Women’s Golf
See answer in this paper. Association, presents a check for $4,010 to Dr. Teresa Albizu,
CEO of SafeSpace.