Pet Dental Health Starts at Home

Did you know that February is National Pet Dental Health Month? It’s not a sexy topic, but it’s oh so important when it comes to our pets’ overall health.

Here are some facts you may not know about your pet’s oral hygiene:

• Studies estimate that 85 percent of all pets have signs of periodontal disease by the time they’re three years old. Yikes! 
• Advanced periodontal disease can lead to bone loss, tissue destruction, and puss formations in the cavities between the gum and teeth. Yuck!

But there is good news: good oral hygiene can add 2 to 5 years to your pet’s life! 

So what can a pet parent do to assure that their pet has a healthy mouth? Take a look at this helpful infographic from Petplan and then we’ll chat some more below.

Making sure that your dog or cat has good dental health isn’t all that tough. It’s really as simple as:

• Keeping your pet’s dietary sugar low – Opt for fresh veggies instead of biscuits;
• Brushing your pet’s teeth at least once a week – Be sure to check out my DIY dog toothpaste recipe;
• Using dental chews (my dogs LOVE Greenies) and a plaque-fighting water additive;
• Keeping your annual vet appointment – Your vet can identify problems before they damage pearly white teeth;
• Having your pet’s teeth professionally cleaned by your vet annually – Investing in prevention will save you money down the road;
• Adding a nutritional supplement like Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin C or folic acid – It can help prevent or treat gingivitis and periodontal disease.

I don’t know about you, but I personally love the feeling of a fresh, clean mouth right after I brush my teeth. Even when I don’t feel well, brushing my teeth makes me feel a little bit better. I have to believe good oral hygiene makes our pets feel better, too, and as responsible, loving pet parents, it’s up to us to make that happen.

To help with the cost of health and dental care for your pets, I highly recommend checking out Petplan. Pet insurance helps with unexpected veterinary bills, and allows you to get the best medical care for your pet, regardless of cost. It gives pet parents a little peace of mind, and that’s always a good thing.

How do you care for your pet’s oral health? I’d love for you to share your tips in a comment below, or stop by my Facebook page and join in the conversation there.