February is National Pet Dental Health Month, but keeping dogs healthy should be a daily ritual for pet owners all year long. This is typically the month when we remember that our furry friends don’t carry a toothbrush around with them and so a dog’s teeth may need a little extra special attention. Whether a dog, cat, rabbit or other species, let’s remember our pets by lovingly looking after their teeth. Dog dental care needs to be taken seriously.
Paying Attention to Dog Dental Care
Dental checks are as important to animals as they are to us and looking after their health significantly prevents oral problems they may have in the future. Red gums, stinky breath, or yellow teeth could lead to an oral disease if left untreated, giving your pet a poor quality of life and nobody wants that! This National Pet Dental Health Month let’s prioritize our dog’s teeth as much as we do their stomachs.
Brushing your dog’s teeth may not be at the top of your to do list, but according to the American Veterinary Dental Society (and the American Veterinary Medical Association), 80 to 85 percent of all pets have periodontal disease. That number jumps to 100 percent in pets over 4 years of age. In fact, it is the number one health problem diagnosed in most dogs and cats.
Dogs Rarely Show Signs of Pain and Discomfort
Your pet may be in chronic pain, but you wouldn’t know it. Why?
Dogs have evolved to hide chronic pain, they are born in such a way that their animal instincts tell them not to show signs of weaknesses. That goes for a dog’s teeth too.
Even with a cracked tooth or periodontal disease that damages gums around the teeth, your dog would probably eat normally, wiggle happily at your return home, and overall act like the same dog you know and love. Dogs are five times more prone to gum diseases than humans for a couple of reasons. Dogs have a more alkaline mouth, which promotes plaque formation. And, unlike humans, dogs usually don’t have their teeth brushed daily. We have gathered up some of the most common signs and symptoms that could potentially mean your dog might be suffering from a dental disease.
Warning Signs
Dog dental care is important to the overall health of your pet because it affects the health of the heart, lungs and kidneys, which is why it is important to provide your pet with proper daily dental care before there is a problem. February is the perfect time to get into the habit of caring for your dog’s teeth more vigilantly since it is National Pet Dental Health Month. Help protect your pet from periodontal disease, untreated dental disease, tartar buildup, and more.
Good oral health is just as important for dogs and cats as it is for the rest of your family. Your pets rely on their teeth to eat and defend themselves. Problems with teeth and gums don’t just cause your pet pain and discomfort, but also puts them at risk of developing life-threatening health issues. You can help your dog or cat stay healthy by taking good care of their teeth and learning how to spot these common warning signs.
