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February Is National Pet Dental Health Month

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Lindsay Butzer, DVM
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Dental health

February is National Pet Dental Health Month! And if you don't think your pet's dental health is that important, consider these facts:

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), 80% of dogs and 70% of cats will develop some form of oral disease by the age of three.
Not addressing your pet's dental health could lead to more severe secondary diseases like heart or kidney disease.
By not brushing your pet's teeth, formations of bacteria, food particles, and saliva combine and collect between the gums and teeth, which progresses into tartar buildup. Over time this can develop into periodontal disease, which erodes at the gums and can result in bad breath, bleeding gums, and pain.

Brush your pet's teeth regularly.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends that you brush your pet's teeth daily. But in most cases, this is not always feasible, especially if your pet will not cooperate. However, it's not a reason to disregard the brushing process altogether.
To help freshen breath between brushings, consider using TropiClean Fresh Breath Floss Ropeball. It's a playful way to fight plaque and tartar build-up.

Maintain fresh breath in between brushings and vet visits.

Although brushing is the best way to keep your pet's mouth clean and healthy, there are dental solutions which can also help.
Simply add the solution to your pet's drinking water to help fight bacteria in between brushing.
Be Fresh Dental Care Solution helps freshen breath and maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Promote clean teeth and fresh breath with a dental treat or chew.

Giving a treat like Greenies Dental Treats (dogs) and Feline Greenies Dental Treats (cats) can help clean your pet's teeth in between brushings.
Greenies Dental Treats were awarded the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal which recognizes the products for helping to control both tartar and plaque.
Another treat option are C.E.T. VeggieDent chews for Dogs. Each tasty vegetable-based chew helps fight plaque and tartar build-up for healthier teeth and gums.

Tip

Dental care is even more important with small breeds because they tend to be at an increased risk of developing dental diseases, which is caused by the crowding of teeth in their mouths.