5 Veterinarian-Approved Tips for Pet Dental Health Month Inbox

Contrary to popular belief, “doggy breath” is not normal. In fact, it could be a sign that your furry BFF has some serious bacteria and plaque building up, or worse, they could be developing dental disease.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, some 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3. That’s why National Pet Dental Health Month this February is the perfect time for pet parents to brush up on their pet’s oral health, which also impacts their overall health and could lead to other problems just like it does in humans.

To help, Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist Dr. Jan Bellows has 5 tips and important things pet parents should know for you to consider using in a story for your readers this month. He is also available for interviews to discuss these further and answer questions.

1. Healthy Nutrition: One of the most vital parts of maintaining your pet’s dental health is providing them with a nutritious diet that also takes care of their teeth. One veterinarian recommended option is Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care for dogs and cats, which improves their dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.

2. Daily Brushing: To help prevent gum disease and other dental problems, pet parents should brush their dog’s or cat’s teeth every day. And be sure to use a professional-grade pet toothpaste with a stamp of approval from the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), like Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste that comes in flavors like, say cheese and rotisserie chicken.

3. Dental Treats: There’s plenty of treats available these days that are specifically made to help prevent plaque buildup and help with their breath. The VOHC has a list of carefully reviewed products proven to benefit your pet’s oral health, one being Greenies Dental Treats for dogs and another being Whiskas Dentabites for cats.

4. Annual Cleanings: Veterinarians recommend taking your pet in for a professional dental exam and cleaning every year to prevent tooth loss, dental disease, and other problems while making sure their entire mouth is cleaned. Plus, your vet can apply a professional sealant, like Sanos Dental Sealant, to help prevent plaque from attaching under your pet’s gums for up to 6 months.

5. Pulling Teeth: Canine dental extractions are (unfortunately) one of the most common veterinary surgeries. When your pet’s dental care is neglected and leads to gum disease, an extraction is the only way to take away the pain they’re in and restore their oral health. If that’s the case, your veterinarian can use a plant-based gel called Vetigel that stops the bleeding within seconds – and  without the need to apply any pressure – to help your pet recover and get back to their normal level of activity and appetite.