Pet Dental Health Month - Are Your Pet's Teeth Clean?

Johnny Rocket has much to say about Pet Dental Health Month - "PFFFT"! But did you know that caring for your pet's teeth is not only important for their oral health but for their overall health as well?

80% of pets have some form of dental disease by only two years of age! Some pets, particularly small breeds, may have dental problems at an even younger age.

Without regular dental cleanings and at-home care, your pet can suffer from painful periodontal problems that make it difficult for them to eat. Additionally, oral bacteria can travel through your pet’s bloodstream, attacking their hearts, kidneys, and other organs. Since Dental disease has such a huge impact on your furry friend’s overall health, comprehensive dental care is an essential part of your pet’s preventive care program.

Signs that your pet needs dental care:

1. Bad breath

2. Broken or loose teeth

3. Extra teeth or retained baby teeth

4. Discolored teeth or teeth covered in tartar
5. Abnormal drooling, chewing, or dropping food from their mouth

6. Reduced appetite
7. Bleeding from their mouth/gums



How do Dentals work?

After a thorough examination of your dog's mouth, tooth scaling will be performed, using both hand and ultrasonic scalers to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. The tartar below the gum line causes the most significant periodontal disease, so it is important that it be thoroughly removed.


How Can You Help Keep Your Pet’s Teeth Healthy?

Do you brush your pet’s teeth? Just like humans, it helps!  Keep the sessions short and positive. Dip your finger in beef bouillon and massage his lips in a circular motion for 30 to 60 seconds once or twice a day for a few weeks, and then move on to the teeth and gums.

Give your pet dental chews!

Spritz Dog Dental Spray on their teeth/gums as instructions allow.



Some pets are just genetically exposed to having “bad teeth”; one of my dogs was almost toothless by the time she was four! So be aware that depending on the breed and genetics of your pet, they may need frequent cleanings by your vet and extractions no matter what you do. But preventative care is the BEST oral care you can provide for your pet!