February is Pet Dental Health Month

Posted: February 3, 2023 by Kelli Hanson

Not even your pet likes bad breath!

By: Hailee Ekeren

Dental health is just as important in your furry pets as it is in you. Routine and preventative care is an important way to keep your pet healthy! Bad breath can be one of the first signs of dental disease; dental disease can often lead to heart, liver, and kidney problems if left untreated.

Signs of Dental Disease:

  • Brownish/yellow tarter on teeth
  • Red, swollen gums
  • Bad breath
  • Bleeding from the mouth
  • Pawing at the face or mouth area

It is important to note that 8 out of 10 dogs and 7 out of 10 cats show signs of dental disease by 3 years old!

Causes of Dental Issues:

  • Broken teeth
  • Abscesses
  • Infections
  • Periodontal disease
  • Misalignment of teeth
  • Cysts/tumors in the mouth
      • This is the most common clinical condition in cats and dogs with an estimated 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of this disease.

When To Consider A Trip To The Vet:

  • Bad breath
  • Broken teeth
  • Abnormal chewing
  • Reduced appetite
  • Signs of blood on your pet’s food/water bowls or chew toys
  • Swelling or excessive drooling around the mouth

Promoting Good Dental Health:

  • Regular professional teeth cleaning which should begin by 1-2 years old and happen at least once a year.
  • Regular at home tooth brushings (Multiple times a week)
  • Some pet food and treat products provide dental-related benefits
FUN FACT! Adult dogs have 42 teeth and cats have 30 teeth!

Category: Dogs, Education, Pet Tips, Resources Tags: , , ,