National Pet Dental Health Month

February is National Pet Dental Health Month! It is important to be aware of your pet’s dental health, since gums and teeth that are in tip top shape will prevent your pet from suffering from other serious health risks. Should your pet’s dental health go untreated, your furry friend could have severe internal organ issues which can become very problematic. Keep reading below to find out how you can stay on top of your pet’s dental health!

Brushing Your Cat or Dog’s Teeth:

It may sound silly, but it is just as important to brush your own teeth as it is to brush your four-legged friend’s teeth. You might think it is a difficult task, but in fact, it’s not so hard to do once you get the hang of it. Follow these tips to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy and clean.

-       Introduce your dog or cat to pet friendly toothpaste by dabbing some of it onto a treat they are familiar with. If your pet doesn’t have a favorite treat, you can always dab a little of the toothpaste onto your finger and have them sniff it before licking it off. You must do this for a few days before the pet becomes familiar.

-       Once your pet is introduced to the toothpaste, dab a small toothbrush or finger toothbrush with the paste and place it into your pet’s mouth for a few seconds so that they can become familiar with the sensation of the brush.

-       When your pet is comfortable with the sensation of the brush, you can start to slowly brush their teeth starting from the gum line and brushing one tooth at a time.

You should have your pet’s teeth checked at least once a year during their checkup, if you haven’t scheduled a checkup for your cat or dog recently and are due for a visit, be sure to make an appointment soon. If your pet is suffering from bad breath, broken or loose teeth, teeth that are discolored or are covered in tartar you will want to make an appointment so that we can be sure your pet is treated for the problem. Furthermore, if you notice your pet’s eating habits have changed or they are having difficulty chewing, this may be a sign of a dental issue.

Lastly, remember that brushing your pet’s teeth won’t happen overnight – it takes time. After all, they have never had their teeth brushed before so this is unfamiliar to them. If you have better luck brushing for short amounts of time, be sure to focus on the upper and outer molars, as these collect more debris than anything else. If you aren’t sure which toothpaste is best for your pet or you need to make an appointment, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you!