Dental Care for Your Pet

Dental

You wouldn't go a lifetime without brushing your teeth. Neither should your pet!

Regular dental care is a very important part of keeping your pet healthy.

Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem affecting adult dogs and cats. Nearly 80% of all dogs and cats over the age of three have periodontal (gum) disease.

Without prevention and treatment, this can lead to tooth decay, bleeding gums, tooth loss, and even damage to internal organs.

February is National Pet Dental Health Month. Many veterinary practices offer discounted dental exams and cleanings during February.

Check your pets for these symptoms of oral disease

Persistent bad breath
Red, bleeding, swollen, receding or eroding gums
Yellow-brown plaque or tartar on the teeth
Loose, infected or missing teeth

Prevention and treatment options include dental cleanings by your veterinarian, brushing your pet's teeth regularly, and feeding your pet a specially formulated food to combat tartar and plaque buildup.

Help your pet avoid periodontal disease with this 3-step prevention program:

Take your pet to your veterinarian for a dental examination. Don't wait for its annual checkup if you suspect a problem. Your veterinarian may recommend regular cleanings.
Begin a dental care regimen that includes regular brushing—if your pet will allow it—and a nutritious diet. Ask your veterinarian to show you how to brush your pet's teeth or follow our home dental care steps. Use a species-specific toothpaste, reward them after brushing, and consider drinking-water additives and certified dental chews to supplement brushing efforts.
Schedule regular veterinary checkups—twice a year is best, especially for older pets. These are essential in helping your veterinarian monitor your pet's dental—and physical—health.