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All Creatures Brooklyn Veterinarian Hospital

Brushing your pet’s teeth may not be at the top of your to do list, but according to the to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 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 dogs and cats.

Dental health 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 this habit since it is National Pet Dental Health Month. Help protect your pet from periodontal disease, and read this week’s post with dental health tips for your pet.

Pet toothpaste may come in a variety of flavors such as beef, chicken or even peanut butter should your dog have a preference.  Human toothpaste has detergent in it and is not recommended for dogs as the product is made for humans who rinse and spit.

Dr. Jan Bellows, president of the American Veterinary Dental College states, “Brushing is the gold standard, and many dogs and some cats will tolerate having their teeth brushed if the introduction to brushing is managed gently and gradually. In addition, several companion animal nutrition companies offer dental diets.  The texture of those foods generates a mechanical cleansing effect on the surface of the tooth as the pet is eating. Dental treats such as chews can also be effective, either mechanically by scraping the tooth surface or by chemically removing excess calcium in saliva that could otherwise be deposited on the teeth as calculus. There are also plaque-retardant products available in the form of a water additive, spray or gel, and products that are used to seal the surface of the teeth to prolong the beneficial effect of professional dental scaling. Talk to your veterinarian for more advice about preventing dental disease in your pets.”

To address the significance of oral health care for pets, the AVMA sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month every February. Book an appointment today at All Creatures Brooklyn Veterinarian Hospital and Click on the links below to learn more about how you can improve the dental (and overall) health of your pets.

Test Yourself

How much do you know about your pet’s dental health? Take this quiz to find out!

Watch

Dr. Sheldon Rubin gives easy, step-by-step instructions on how to teach a dog or cat to accept a daily tooth brushing. He also describes healthy treats, and explains the true risks of periodontal disease in pets.

Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition in cats and dogs even though it’s completely preventable. Dr. Cindy Charlier explains what periodontal disease is and how we can prevent our pets from getting it.

How often do you take your pet in for dental cleanings? Please remember; while February is National Pet Dental Health Month, dental health should be a daily ritual for pet owners all year long. What are some other ways you help support your pet’s dental health? Share your story with us on Facebook.

Plan a dental routine at home