Why Your Pet’s Smile Matters
February isn’t just known for one special day celebrating love and romance—it’s also the month dedicated to your pet’s smile! Yes, it’s Pet Dental Health Month, and it’s time to turn our attention to something often overlooked in our pet care routines: our furry friends’ teeth. Whether you’re a dog person or cat lover, keeping your pet’s smile healthy is crucial for their overall well-being.
This February, we’re teaming up with our friends at Wellness Pet to help you keep your pet’s teeth clean, their breath fresh, and their smile shining bright. We’ve got you covered from professional dental check-ups to simple at-home care tips. So, let’s dive in and talk about why your pet’s dental health matters and what steps you can take to keep their teeth in tip-top shape for years to come.
Pet Dental Health: Why It’s So Important
You wonder, “Why should I care about my pet’s teeth?” Well, just like us, pets can suffer from dental diseases that cause pain, discomfort, and even severe health problems if left untreated. Plaque and tartar can build up on your pet’s teeth, leading to gum disease, tooth decay, and, let’s not forget, stinky breath.
In fact, by the time pets reach the age of three, 70% will have some form of dental disease. That’s a staggering statistic! Poor oral hygiene can lead to more than just stinky breath. If left untreated, bacteria in your pet’s mouth can enter their bloodstream and cause gum disease in dogs and gum disease in cats. This bacteria can also damage vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver. Not only that, but dental disease can affect your pet’s ability to eat, causing them to lose weight and develop other health complications.
But here’s the good news: dental disease is preventable. And it starts with forming good habits.
Routine Vet Visits: The Foundation of Dental Health
Pets need regular trips to the vet. And yes, this includes dental check-ups! Most vets will recommend annual dental exams to check for any early signs of dental issues. During these visits, your veterinarian will assess your pet’s oral health. They offer dog teeth cleaning and cat teeth cleaning. Veterinary dental cleaning, like a visit to the dentist, is better than what you can accomplish alone at home. They identify potential problems before they become a big deal.
For dogs and cats, a routine exam typically includes:
● Tartar Build-up: Yellow or brown teeth? It’s time for a cleaning.
● Gum Health: Swollen or bleeding gums can indicate gum disease.
● Broken Teeth: Pets can chip or break teeth, just like us.
● Bad Breath: Bad breath in dogs and cats might signal periodontal disease.
● Infection: Infected teeth or gums can cause serious issues.
If your vet detects any problems, they’ll provide a professional cleaning and discuss your next steps to prevent further complications. The cost of cat dental cleaning and the cost of dog dental cleaning can vary. Be sure to consult your veterinarian.
Teeth Brushing: Yes, You Can Do It!
We know what you’re thinking: “Brush my pet’s teeth? How is that even possible?” We get it—it might sound like a daunting task at first, but with the right tools and patience, you can easily add teeth brushing to your pet’s routine.
Regular brushing is one of the most effective ways to prevent plaque and tartar build-up and protect your pet from gum disease. The earlier you start, the better, but don’t worry—older pets can also benefit from regular brushing.
Here’s a quick guide to help you get started:
- Choose the Right Tools: Never use your own toothbrush! Pet-specific brushes and toothpaste are designed for their needs. Pet toothpaste comes in flavors like peanut butter or chicken for dogs and seafood or tuna for cats. Yummy, right?
- Get Them Used to It: If your pet’s not thrilled about tooth brushing, go slow. Gently rub your pet’s gums with your finger, then introduce a finger brush. Once they’re comfortable, move on to an actual toothbrush. Be patient—it may take a few tries, but it’s worth it!
- Brush Gently and Often: Try brushing at least two to three times a week. Focus on the outside surfaces of the teeth (this is where plaque tends to build up). The more you brush, the better the results.
- Reward Them: Positive reinforcement is key! Treat your pet to their favorite snack or extra playtime after brushing. This makes the process more enjoyable for everyone.
WHIMZEES® Dental Treats: A Tasty Solution
We get it—brushing isn’t always enough, and let’s be honest, sometimes it’s hard to stay consistent. That’s where WHIMZEES® Dental Treats come in. These all-natural dental treats for cats and dogs perfectly complement your pet’s dental routine. They taste great (your pet will love them!), and are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar build-up while they chew.
WHIMZEES® Dental Treats are made with natural ingredients, making them a safe, healthy way to help clean your pet’s teeth. These tasty treats are crafted to support the four areas vets check most—breath, tartar, plaque, and gums. Toss your pet a WHIMZEES® Dental Treats after brushing, or use them as a fun “smile-maintenance” snack between brushings.
Your pet will appreciate the tasty reward, and their teeth will thank you!
Brushing Teeth as Part of Your Pet’s Grooming Routine
At Best Friends Pet Hotel, we know grooming is much more than just making your pet look good—it’s about keeping them happy and healthy, inside and out. You might wonder, “How often should I groom my dog?” Regularly is the best answer, otherwise, you could be dealing with matting and skin irritation.
But did you know that teeth brushing can be seamlessly added to your pet’s grooming session? It’s a simple service that can be easily integrated into your pet’s routine grooming appointment. Our experienced grooming team is trained to care for your pet’s oral hygiene, helping to keep their teeth clean and their breath fresh, all while they enjoy a relaxing spa day.
Give your pet some extra TLC this month, and add teeth brushing to their next grooming appointment. It’s a simple way to help maintain their overall health and give them that extra shine—literally and figuratively!
Pet Dental Health: A Lifetime Commitment
Pet dental health isn’t just a one-time fix. It’s a lifetime commitment to your pet’s overall well-being. By staying consistent with dental care—whether brushing their teeth, scheduling regular vet visits, or tossing them a WHIMZEES® Dental Treat—you’re helping to ensure their smile stays bright and their health stays on track.
This Pet Dental Health Month, prioritize your pet’s dental care. With the right tools, routine check-ups, and a little help from Wellness Pet, you’ll keep your pet’s smile shining brightly for years to come!
Pet dental health is important and it doesn’t have to be hard. With a few simple steps—routine vet visits, teeth brushing, and a WHIMZEES® Dental Treat —you’ll be well on your way to keeping your pet’s teeth and gums in tip-top shape.
So, this February, show your pet just how much you care. It’s the perfect time to give their smile the attention it deserves and with a little help from Best Friends Pet Hotel and Wellness Pet, your pet’s dental health journey just got easier—and more fun!
