Pets have teeth too!

 When was the last time your brushed your teeth? Hopefully it was just this morning. How about the last time you brushed your cat's teeth? Or your dog's? Their pearly whites need just as much attention as yours do to stay white and healthy. If you're smelling dog-breath or cat-breath when you snuggle, that's actually plaque, tartar, and possibly infection that needs attention. February is Pet Dental Health Month, so here's what you need to know.

Home dental care:

1. Brush those teeth - this is by far the best. You can prevent the vast majority of dental problems by brushing your pet's teeth every day with an enzymatic toothpaste - and you can even make it fun! Check out our video for how to brush.
2. Offer dental treats/chews - We get it, you're busy and it can be hard to find the time to brush. But luckily it's easier than ever to find effective dental chews for your dog. Choose treats that display the VOHC seal - they have been clinically tested and will decrease plaque and tartar by at least 25%. Click HERE for the list of approved products. Make sure to pick the right size chew for your pet, and always supervise your pet while chewing. Remember that chews have calories, so cut back on food to prevent weight gain.
3. Oral rinses - these products are either applied directly in the mouth or mixed with the drinking water. The only VOHC-approved water additives and gels are by HealthyMouth, and they come in a variety of flavors for cats and dogs. They work best when used after a professional teeth cleaning to slow the recurrence of tartar.

---

Professional dental care:
80% of dogs and cats have periodontal disease by the age of 3. Professional dental care under anesthesia is required to properly treat their mouths. This procedure is often required annually and includes:

1. ​Thorough evaluation of all the parts of the mouth
2. X-rays of the tooth roots
3. Removal of plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline
4. Treatment of periodontal pockets if possible and removal of diseased teeth
5. Pain medication and antibiotics, if needed