Celebrating February: National Pet Dental Health Month

You don’t have to brush your teeth – just the ones you want to keep. ~ Author Unknown      
 
We all brush our teeth daily, most of us multiple times a day – it’s one of the few daily routines we all have in common.  But how many of us pause to consider brushing our pet’s teeth?  How many of us even consider the health of our pet’s mouth beyond the food we feed them?  
 
One of the most common diseases animals encounter is Periodontal disease, an infection of the gums. The key to prevention is simple, inexpensive and may just improve your human-animal bond: regularly brush your pet’s teeth.

I encourage pet parents to consider tooth brushes and made-for-pets toothpaste – never use human toothpaste on pets! It is too harsh, will wear away the enamel too fast and can cause stomach upset when swallowed. In addition to brushing teeth, pet parents can also use dental treats and toys to keep a pet’s smile healthy. Check out our Dental Care Shop to learn about more products that are available.
 
And don’t think that dental care is only for people, cats and dogs. Small animals need dental care too! While tooth brushing isn’t necessary for small animals, they do need constant access to safe, chewable toys in order to maintain their dental health. Because rodents and rabbits have open rooted teeth, they must constantly be chewing to keep their teeth worn down to an appropriate length.

To find out more information, check out the American Veterinary Medical Association’s recent press release on pet dental health.