February is Pet Dental Hygiene Month

The oral health of our pets is often the most overlooked part of their everyday care, and yet, it’s one of the most important! It’s so easy to ignore signs of periodontal disease, like bad breath, but there are so many reasons why it’s important to stay on top of your pet’s oral health. Just like in humans, poor dental health in dogs and cats can lead to serious health problems. Think mouth abscesses, painful tooth loss, and infections that can spread throughout the body. So, while it might not seem like a big deal, keeping your dog or cat’s teeth clean and healthy is vital for their health! Here are some easy tips on just how to do that.

Chew Toys

Toys are an easy and effective way to keep your pet’s teeth clean. There are toys that are made specifically for cats and dogs, and most of them are specially designed for helping clean teeth. The act of chewing on the toy actually knocks tartar off the teeth. This makes for an easy solution as your pet probably already loves gnawing on chew toys.

Brushing

This activity is often not the favorite choice of most dogs and cats, but it is really one of the most effective ways to clean your pet’s teeth. This is not something that needs to be done daily, but the more often it’s done, the better. There are specially made toothpastes for dogs and cats that are safe, so don’t try to use human toothpaste. Start slowly at first, just to get them used to it. Before long, they’ll be accustomed to having their teeth brushed and you’ll be able to do it on a regular basis.

Tartar Control Treats

Another easy tactic for battling tartar and gum disease are treats that are specially designed to help keep teeth clean and healthy. They’re tasty and fun to eat for both dogs and cats and typically much more appreciated than brushing. Similarly to the chew toys, these special treats help remove tartar and build up from teeth as they chew. Make sure you read the label to ensure that they are designed for dental health.

Dental Cleanings

Of course, it’s always a good idea to have your pet’s teeth professionally examined by their veterinarian. They may suggest that a cleaning is needed, and it’s not a bad idea to have your pet’s teeth professionally cleaned every now and then. Out of all the tips we’ve mentioned, this may not be the cheapest option, but it’s surely the most thorough. Veterinarian offices are skilled at cleaning pet teeth and it’s one of the best ways to help maintain dental health. Make sure to discuss this option with your vet at your pet’s next checkup.

Maintaining your pet’s dental health is not always easy, but it’s important to start now and now wait until there are issues that must be addressed. If you try these easy tips, you’re sure to help keep those chompers in working order.