Does Your Pet Have A Healthy Smile?

Everyone smiles when they are happy; it's one of the easiest ways to read someone's emotions. When our pets are happy, it's a little harder to tell but we can usually read their body language or behavior. While many people will endlessly debate over the act of an animal smiling, one thing every pet parent really needs to invest time in is their pets' oral health. Whether or not they can smile, one thing is for sure, their oral health can play a vital role in their overall well-being. With that said, February is Pet Dental Care Awareness Month and it's the perfect time to brush up on your pets' oral health.

It may come to as a surprise to you but the American Veterinary Medical Association says that 70% of cats and 80% of dogs show signs of oral disease by three years old and that can lead to serious health threats like infections in vital organs that can result in death. Some common signs and symptoms of an oral health problem include bad breath, teeth covered in tartar, loose or discolored teeth, your pet is uncomfortable chewing or being touched around the mouth and they may excessively droll or continuously drop food out of their mouth.

Now that you know the seriousness of pet oral health, here are some great tips you should follow!

Schedule A Cleaning

While many of us can just head to the dentist for a dental cleaning every six months, your pet should be treated no different. You should schedule a dental cleaning for your pet at least once a year at the veterinarian's office. Your vet will perform a full dental exam to check for oral disease and other dental dilemmas as well as properly clean their teeth and gums. They will remove any tartar or plaque buildup on the teeth as well as rid of any food debris.

Brush Up

In-between dental cleanings at the vet, you should begin an in-home brushing routine for your pet. In fact, you can pick up pet-specific toothbrushes and pastes that can help you clean their teeth and gums. You might not be able to get as thorough of a clean as the vet can, but it's a lot better than not doing it at all. Be sure to add toothbrushes and pastes to your pet supplies for optimal dental care.   

Plaque Fighting Treats

Did you know you can buy treats that help control tartar and plaque buildup? Not only can you reward your pet with a tasty treat, but it'll serve as an oral health benefit!

Pet Food With Oral Care

Alongside the plaque fighting treats, consider buying pet food with oral care benefits. Some pet food brands have specifically marked food products that have specially designed kibbles and bits that reduce plaque and tartar.

For more dental care tips, talk with your veterinarian as they can suggest even more tips!