February is National Pet Dental Health Month. You might not think good dental hygiene is all that important for your pet, but it really is a necessary part of caring for your dog or cat. Most people are utterly shocked to learn how taking proper care of your pet’s teeth and mouth can result in a longer, happier, and healthier life for your mutt or kitty.
The infographic below gives a little bit of information about the importance of good dental hygiene for pets, as well as what you can do to make sure your pet is getting the best possible dental care.
Is your pet exhibiting any of the 7 signs of dental disease? If so, please see your vet as soon as possible.
Latest statistics show that dental disease impacts 89 percent of dogs and 83 percent of cats over age three, but it doesn’t have to be this way. This is so easily preventable and can actually lead to a longer, healthier life for your pet.
Your Turn: how do you care for your pet’s dental health? Let’s chat about it in comments below!
Carol Bryant says
January 31, 2014 at 12:26 pmSooo important. We brush our dog’s teeth every single day and it really pays off. Our previous Cocker was one week shy of 15 when she passed away. She never needed a professional dental cleaning thanks to our diligence in brushing. Thanks for sharing this post!
Rebekah says
January 31, 2014 at 11:21 pmI feed raw, offer my dogs bully sticks, antlers, and bully horns to chew on. They all have excellent oral health, but they are all still young dogs (4, almost 4, and 2). I occasionally see dogs with obvious dental disease, swollen red gums, horrid breath, and I cannot help but feel sorry for them, as I imagine that is incredibly uncomfortable.
Dawn says
February 1, 2014 at 7:56 pmI admit that I never used to brush my dogs’ teeth. Surprisingly, Sephi had great teeth. And Maya, who is now six, has great teeth. But now, I have Pierson. He likes to eat poo. And even though I am mostly able to prevent him from eating poo, I have to brush his teeth daily. I don’t know what the difference is between him and Maya, but if I don’t brush his teeth every day they get gross. I will brush Maya’s once a week now, but I never have to scrap any of the plaque off. Her teeth are always clean and her breath normal. Not only do I have to brush Pierson’s teeth every day, but I have to scrape off plaque buildup once a week. And his breath is always stinky. I wonder what the difference is? It’s not chewing. Pierson likes to chew. It’s not the food. They both eat the same thing.
Ted says
March 31, 2014 at 5:39 amWe have got the yearly checkup part handled, and every time the vet says that our cat’s teeth are in great condition. I hope it stays that way.