February is National Pet Dental Health Month, which was created by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The goal is to raise awareness among pet owners of the dangers your pet can face if you don’t maintain their oral and dental health. Without proper dental care, your pet is at risk of tooth decay, tooth loss, bad breath, oral infection, periodontal disease, and other diseases that can shorten their lifespan. Here are four things you can do as a pet owner to protect your pet’s dental and overall health.
Seek Out Educational Opportunities and Resources
One of the most important things you should do as a pet owner is to educate yourself about the importance of pet dental care and the dental dangers faced by pets. You can ask your veterinarian for resources and information, or you can visit trusted pet health websites. Be aware of the biggest oral and dental health dangers that pets face: periodontal disease, tooth decay, and oral infections. Know how to recognize the warning signs, what you can do to prevent these issues, and how these issues affect your pet’s overall health.
Protect Your Pet with At-Home Dental Care
Your veterinarian can recommend dental care procedures, methods, products, and tools you can use at home. For instance, you should use a toothbrush and pet toothpaste to brush your pet’s teeth each week. You can use a children’s toothbrush or finger brush for cats and small dogs, and an adult toothbrush for large dogs. Your veterinarian can also recommend dental chews and treats, dental food additives, and water additives that can kill dangerous bacteria in your pet’s mouth. They can reduce plaque and tartar buildup, and lower their chance of bad breath, periodontal disease, and tooth decay.
Schedule Professional Dental Checkups
Your pet should visit the veterinarian at least once per year for a general and dental checkup. Your veterinarian can look for early warning signs of oral and dental health issues and offer professional recommendations for dental care. Your pet may also need a professional dental cleaning every one to three years.
If your pet hasn’t been to the veterinarian in over a year, make an appointment today.