February is National Pet Dental Health Month

Caring for our pet's teeth is probably one of the most overlooked aspects of their health. Maybe we've tried brushing their teeth and had a bad experience, maybe we just don't have the time or maybe we just didn't think it was necessary. After all, animals in the wild wouldn't check into the vet for a tooth cleaning, much less buy a toothbrush and toothpaste. According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association, nearly 85% of dogs and cats have periodontal disease. This, according to the American Animal Hospital Association, is due in part to the fact that nearly two thirds of all dogs and cats are not receiving proper dental care, recommended by most veterinarians. February has become National Pet Dental Health Month to remind us that it is important to take care of our pet's dental health.

Poor dental health in dogs and cats can cause bad breath, yellow-brown tartar build-up, receding or bleeding gums, pawing at the mouth, loss of appetite, excessive drooling and changes in eating habits.

Actually taking care of your pet's dental health can be a challenge for some pet owners and their pets. For starters, knowing where your pet sticks their snout can be enough to want to stay away form the inside of their mouth. But even if you don't mind sticking your hand around in there, many dogs and cats, do not like to have the inside of their mouth touched.

There are a few things you can do to make the experience a little more comfortable for your pet. Try massaging the outside of their snout so they'll get used to the idea of being petted and they won't perceive you messing with the inside of their mouth as an awkward or uncomfortable experience. Next try squeezing a little pet toothpaste (under no circumstances should you use human toothpaste) on your finger and rubbing it along their teeth and gums. After they get used to this, introduce a pet toothbrush (don't use a human toothbrush, it is not designed for a dog or cat's mouth). There are even finger brushes available that you can purchase if your pet does not like a regular pet toothbrush.

Check out petfooddirect.com for a variety of dental products from pet toothbrushes and toothpastes to dental treats designed to keep your pet’s teeth clean and their breath smelling fresh.

Proper dental care goes further than just maintaining your pet's dental health. It is very important that you take your pet to the vet on a regular basis. They will inspect their teeth and gums and advise you on when to have them cleaned. How often will vary and depend on what they eat and how well you take care of their teeth in between vet visits.

If you're not already feeding your pet a multivitamin, you should definitely start them on PetHealth™ Multivitamin Formula for Dogs and PetHealth™ Multivitamin Formula for Cats. The PetHealth Multivitamin Formulas contain key vitamins and minerals to promote healthy gums and teeth. For your dogs, you may want to give them PetHealth™ Cardiovascular Formula for Dogs, coenzyme Q10 has been found to be very effective at promoting healthy gums and supporting overall dental health. PetHealth, Only the best for your best friend!