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.
