Dental disease is more than just a cosmetic issue — when your canine companion or feline friend has red gums, yellow teeth and stinky breath, it could be a sign of serious oral disease that could, if left untreated, lead to devastating affects on your pet’s quality of life. Neglecting your pet’s teeth and gums can cause chronic pain issues that may even be at the center of certain behavioral problems.

The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some kind of oral disease by the age of 3.

But never fear, pet owners — February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so now is the perfect time to call your veterinarian and schedule a dental check up for your furry family members.  In the meantime, you can try to tackle your pet’s not-so-pearly-whites at home…

First, get your pup used to the toothbrush. If you’ve never brushed their teeth before, this may seem like a daunting task, but with a little training and patience, just about any dog will get used to having their teeth cleaned on a daily basis! A few tips for getting started:

1) Have confidence in your abilities (your dogs can sense if you are nervous. You can do this!)

2) Have tooth brushing time be after a nice long walk/run (your dog will be calmer and more relaxed)

3) For small dogs it may be easier to put them up on a table or counter (making it easier for you and they are more likely to stand still, seeing as they are normally not allowed up there).

4) If your pet gets stressed at any point simply stop, give them a break and try again later. We want things to be positive, and end on a good note.

Try a chew – we covered  the dangers of rawhide in a previous blog post, but there are many different chews available that target plaque and tarter buildup on your pooch’s teeth while simultaneously providing hours of entertainment. Total win/win!

Some popular vet-recommended dental chews include Whimzees, Greenies, Dentastix, and other delicious brands available at a nearby pet store. Visit our friends over at Rens Pets Depot for some knowledgeable recommendations from their expert staff of dog lovers, to keep those little chompers happy! Looking for an all=natural treat? Try raw meaty bones as an alternative to store-bought dental chews. Because of their mildly abrasive texture and their ability to flex around the teeth, raw meaty bones can help remove dental plaque. These bones (typically from poultry) are generally considered safe and digestible for most dogs. However, because they can splinter, never use cooked bones of any kind. And for the same reasons, avoid weight bearing leg bones from larger animals. Check out your local farmers market!

Happy Dental Health Month!