February is designated as National Pet Dental Health Month, but pet dental health should be practiced every month.
Your pets’ teeth should be brushed at least 3 times a week, preferably daily.
Popular belief is that feeding pets dry kibble cleans teeth, but this just isn’t true. The kibble bits are too small and not strong enough to remove plaque.
Pets usually don’t show signs of dental disease until it becomes extremely painful and prevents them from eating. Results of dental disease can be quite serious. Untreated dental disease can cause infections, damage the heart, liver and kidneys and affect the overall health of your pet.
Never use people’s toothpaste for your pets. They contain ingredients that can harm pets. There are a number of brands of pet toothpaste and toothbrushes that help make brushing easier for you and more pleasant for your pet.
Include a dental checkup in your bi-annual or annual visit to your veterinarian. Your vet can show you how to brush properly and let you know the state of your pet’s dental health.
Related articles:
- Dental Care for Dogs
- Doggie Breath – Causes & Cures
- Kitty Breath – Causes & Cures
- Dental health for our pets
- Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth
