When was the last time your pet’s teeth were cleaned? February is Pet Dental Health Month, and now is as good a time as any to start caring for your pet’s pearly (or not-so-pearly) whites. Poor oral hygiene can cause big problems for your cat or dog - but a small dose of prevention can help your animal live a long, healthy life!
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three, often indicated by bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face and mouth and depression. Lack of tooth care can cause not only tooth loss, but heart, liver and kidney problems, too.
Not sure what to do about your pet’s teeth? A good place to start is your vet: a simple oral checkup can diagnose problems. Your vet can professionally clean your pet’s teeth and recommend the best way to start brushing your pet’s teeth, which you should do at least a few times a week.
Your vet can also recommend a high-quality diet. You might be surprised to learn that many pet foods contain added sugar - and we humans know that eating sugar is not a good way to maintain immaculate ivories!
