February is Pet Dental Health Month: Why Your Pet’s Smile Matters

February isn’t just for Valentine’s Day, sweets, and flowers—it’s also Pet Dental Health Month! Yes, it’s that time of year when we focus on something often overlooked: your furry friend’s teeth. From dogs to cats, dental care is a crucial part of your pet’s overall health, and it’s a lot more important than you might think. We’re partnering with Best Friends Pet Hotel to help you keep your pet’s smile shining bright and their breath fresh. Here are some tips, tricks, and, of course, a little treat!

So, whether you’re a proud cat parent or a dog lover, this blog is for you. Let’s dive into the basics of pet dental health and how you can help your pet maintain a healthy, happy smile for years to come.

Pet Dental Health Is Oh So Important

Why should you care about your pet’s dental health? Well, just like humans, pets can suffer from dental diseases that may lead to pain, discomfort, and even more serious health issues if left untreated. Plaque and tartar build-up on teeth can result in gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.

It’s been estimated that by the time pets reach age 3, over 70% of pets have some form of dental disease. 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.

The good news? Dental disease is preventable with proper care and regular check-ups. That’s where you come in—by taking small steps, you can keep your pet’s teeth in tip-top shape, and they’ll thank you with those adorable toothy grins (or purrs).

Here are 5 signs of periodontal disease to look out for in your dog.

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 cats and dogs, this routine exam typically involves:

• Checking for tartar build-up: If your pet’s teeth are too yellow or brown, it’s time for a cleaning.
• Gum health check: Swollen or bleeding gums could be an early warning sign of gum disease.
• Looking for broken or loose teeth: Pets can chip or break their teeth just like we can.
• Bad breath: We often only think of bad breath in dogs. But cats can have foul breath, too. Sometimes this signals more serious issues like periodontal disease.
• Checking for signs of infection: Infected teeth or gums need prompt attention to avoid more severe health 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.

Clean your dog’s teeth with brushing and beyond.

Teeth Brushing: Yes, You Can Do It!

We know what you’re thinking: “Brush my pet’s teeth? How is that even possible?” Well, it’s not only possible, it’s recommended! Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth is one of the most effective ways to prevent plaque and tartar build-up and avoid gum disease. The earlier you start brushing, the better, but even adult pets can benefit from regular brushing.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Choose the Right Tools: Don’t use your own toothbrush! Pet-specific toothbrushes and toothpaste are designed to be safe and effective. Pet toothpaste is usually flavored to be more palatable for your furry friend—think chicken or peanut butter flavors for dogs and seafood or tuna for cats.
   
   
2. Get Them Used to It: If your pet isn’t a fan of tooth brushing (and honestly, who would be if they weren’t used to it?), go slow. Gently rub your pet’s gums with your finger, then introduce a finger brush. Once they’re comfortable with that, move on to the actual toothbrush. Be patient—it may take a few tries!
   
   
3. Brush Gently and Frequently: Try brushing your pet’s teeth at least two to three times a week. Focus on the outside surfaces of the teeth and gums (that’s where plaque tends to build up). The more often you brush, the better the results.
   
   
4. Reward Them: Positive reinforcement is key! Give your pet a treat or some extra playtime after brushing to make it a more enjoyable experience for them—and you.

Check out this post for more tips and tricks on how to brush dog’s teeth.

WHIMZEES^® Dental Treats: A Tasty Solution

While brushing is the gold standard for dental care, let’s be real—sometimes you need a little extra help to keep things fresh. That’s where WHIMZEES^® Dental Treats come in. These fun, all-natural dental treats for cats and dogs are a fantastic way to complement your pet’s regular dental care routine.

WHIMZEES^® are crafted to support the four areas vets check most—breath, tartar, plaque, and gums. They’re designed to last longer and help clean your pet’s teeth while they chew.

So, toss your pet a WHIMZEES^® treat after their brushing session—or just as a daily “smile-maintenance” snack. Your pet will love you for it, and their teeth will thank you too!

Brushing Teeth as Part of Your Pet’s Grooming Routine

Grooming often gets the spotlight for making our furry friends look their best. But grooming is much more than outward appearances—it’s also vital to their wellbeing.

Best Friends Pet Hotel knows how important regular grooming is to our furry friends. Sure, a thorough bath and brush-out makes their coat shine and helps with shedding, but it also helps prevent matting and skin irritation. 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 grooming doesn’t stop there! One service that’s often overlooked as part of your pet’s grooming routine is teeth brushing. Best Friends Pet Care offers it as a basic service that is easily integrated into our grooming appointments.

Pet Dental Health: A Lifetime Commitment

Taking care of your pet’s teeth isn’t a one-time thing—it’s a lifetime commitment to their health and happiness. Starting early, staying consistent, and providing the right tools—like brushing, regular vet visits, and WHIMZEES^® Dental Treats—will help ensure your pet’s smile stays healthy for years to come.

So, this Pet Dental Health Month, show your pet some extra TLC and give their smile the attention it deserves. After all, a happy, healthy pet is a pet with a bright, confident smile—and that’s something worth celebrating every month of the year!

Pet dental health is a big deal. And it starts with small, consistent steps. Regular vet check-ups, teeth brushing, and tasty WHIMZEES^® Dental Treats will keep your pet’s smile healthy and shining. So, what are you waiting for? Start today, and let’s make this February the best month for your pet’s teeth!

Happy Pet Dental Health Month! 🐾