Did you know that February is Pet Dental Health Month? Here are some tips to help you know if it’s time for your dog to have its teeth checked.

Why is Dental health so Important?

Just like in humans inattention to your dog’s dental health can often lead to issues like a build up of tartar, gum disease, bad breath and other more serious issues like heart disease, lung disease and kidney disease.

At what age does dental disease appear?

It is estimated that more than two-thirds of dogs over three years of age suffer from some degree of periodontal disease, making it by far the most common disease affecting pet dogs.

How can i prevent my dog from getting dental disease?

You know what they say the best defense is offense. Brushing your dogs teeth regularly is the best way to combat dental disease in dogs. You can also add in a dental chew like Greenies every day.

What is the best tooth brush for my dog?

There are so many to chose from that I cannot recommend one specific type because every dog is different. You might want to start slowly to get your dog acclimated to having the tooth brush in their mouth that way it’s not a fight just to get them to sit still for you. You’ll also want to make sure you’re using a pet approved toothpaste and not human toothpaste. Be sure to read the labels so that there isn’t any xylitol in the toothpaste.

What if my dog doesn’t like greenies?

There are multiple types of dental chews out there and it can be hard to know which ones actually work. That’s why the Veterinary Oral Health Council has put together this list of accepted products that help fight plaque build up.

Is there anything else I can do?

Yes you can have your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned by the Veterinarian under anesthesia. Now I know that sounds like a scary thing and I thought so too but decided it was necessary to have my dog’s teeth professionally cleaned at 12 years old. I was more than pleased with the results and so glad I ended up doing it.