5 Things to Know About Your Pet’s Oral Health

February is National Pet Dental Health Month! Take the time to learn more about your pet’s pearly whites and how to take care of them for optimal overall health.

• Pet dental health is IMPORTANT! Not only does excellent oral hygiene prevent bad breath, but it has other major health benefits. Pets can be prone to dental disease, just like humans. By practicing preventative care, we can avoid our pet’s oral pain, tooth loss or even further organ damage.


• What is dental disease? It’s a painful condition that occurs when plaque, bacteria and tartar build up on the teeth and under the gumline. Not only is it incredibly uncomfortable and painful, but it can lead to more serious, chronic conditions.


• • Signs of dental disease in your pet: Pets are often stoic and it can be hard to tell when our furry friends aren’t in tip top shape. This is why regular, preventative care is so important! But some symptoms of oral health issues include:
  • - Bad breath
  • - Bleeding gums
  • - Excessive drooling
  • - Yellow-brown crust on the tooth’s surface
  • - Tooth loss
  • - Change in chewing or eating habits


• Dental disease and infection often start affecting pets early in life - According to the AKC, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral and dental disease by the time they are three years old.


• • Home dental care is ESSENTIAL. There are three main ways to promote dental health for your pets:
  • - Healthy Habits at Home – You can train your pet to have his or her teeth brushed at home or provide dental toys and chews.
  • - Specialty or Prescription Pet Food – There are so many options out there for your pet’s diet to aid in keeping healthy teeth and gums.
  • - Professional Dental Cleanings – Many veterinary clinics offer dental services for your pets. These cleanings typically require general anesthesia to allow the medical staff to get a really thorough clean in the safest and least stressful way.