National Pet Dental Health Awareness Month in February is the best time to work on unlocking your pet’s healthiest teeth and gums. From identifying common dental issues to understanding the role of a veterinary dentist, we are your guide to maximizing your four-legged companions’ dental care. To get you started, let’s dive into three effective and practical tips you can adopt into your routine to boost your pet’s oral health.
Tip One: Prioritize Veterinary Dentistry
Perhaps the most important tip to adopt this National Pet Dental Health Awareness Month is to get into the habit of prioritizing veterinary dentistry. Your pet’s teeth, gums, and oral cavity should be observed by a veterinarian at least once a year. Your regular veterinarian can assess your pet’s oral health during their routine check-up and refer you to a specialist, if needed.
Tip Two: Know What To Look Out For
Even if you’re super diligent about your pet’s annual veterinary appointment, those 365 days in between leave ample room for issues to develop. To eliminate the risk of allowing a dental problem to fly under the radar, it’s essential to know what to look out for in terms of dental concerns and abnormalities. Common signs that indicate your pet may need to visit their veterinary dentist sooner include:
- Severe bad breath
- Excessive tartar build-up and discoloration
- Broken or damaged teeth
- Visibly loose teeth
- Inability to lose baby teeth
- Bleeding and/or noticeable mouth pain
- Mouth and/or facial swelling
- Decline in appetite, including inability or refusal to eat
- Trouble with chewing or holding food
Tip Three: Choose High-Quality Food with Dental Benefits
Preventative dental care for your pet begins at home. Similar to humans, the foods we choose for our pets play a pivotal role in the condition of their teeth and gums. To ensure our pets have access to the best, we recommend opting for high-quality, veterinary-recommended foods that boost key dental benefits. There are numerous brands that offer food and treats uniquely designed to optimize dental health. These foods are crafted to promote more chewing, thus helping to reduce the plaque on your pet’s teeth.
A little extra dental effort for your pet today can result in a longer life of happiness together. Get started on your pet’s dental care regimen by contacting your trusted veterinarian today.