Smile - It's National Pet Dental Health Month

Did you know that February is National Pet Dental Health Month?As pet parents, we care a great deal for the health and well being of our pets. Yet we often overlook our pets' dental health, which can have a big impact on their overall physical condition.If your dog or cat has bad breath, it could be a sign of a condition that can have deadly consequences. The best way to combat such complications from poor dental hygiene is to institute a daily dental care routine for your pets. If your pet is early enough, you may find they take to it without a fight. If your pet is older you may have to have patience.Proper pet oral care involves brushing their teeth, and there are a number of toothbrushes and toothpastes on the market for cats and dogs. You can experiment with types of brushes and flavors of toothpaste until you find an option that works.If your pet is severely resisting tooth brushing, consult your vet about the best dental treats or toys to use.If you don't institute some kind of dental hygiene routine, you may find yourself having to have your pet's teeth professionally cleaned by the vet. This typically involves sedating your pet and doing a deep clean. It's more expensive and generally riskier than brushing your pet's teeth yourself, so it is not an ideal solution.The AMVA has put together a page with many resources to explain why good oral hygiene is important for your pet. Visit the National Pet Dental Health Month page for more information.