Dog Living The dog-friendly lifestyle
National Pet Dental Health Month in February is a great time to remind pet owners just how important oral care is to their pet’s overall well-being. Dental disease is very common in dogs and cats and, if left untreated, can cause pain, tooth loss, and infection that can affect the entire body. Below are just a few helpful pet dental health tips from Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC), the world’s largest veterinary teaching hospital and NYC’s only level 1 veterinary trauma center to keep in mind:
DO:
- Brush Teeth Daily: One of the best things you can do is brush your pet’s teeth daily. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste and gently brush the outer surfaces of the teeth in small, circular motions.
- Regular Dental Visits: Annual veterinary dental exams can help catch problems early, and a complete dental cleaning needs to be under anesthesia, so your veterinary team can fully examine and treat the entire mouth.
- Check for the VOHC Seal: When choosing dental products, look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council, or VOHC, seal. These products have been reviewed and meet established standards for supporting oral health.
DON’T:
- Choose Hard Toys: When it comes to chew toys, harder isn’t better. Bones—including nylon bones—can crack teeth, and the felt on tennis balls can wear them down over time. If you can’t make a dent in your pet’s toy with your fingernail, it’s probably too hard for their teeth.
- Ignore Bad Breath: Bad breath isn’t normal and may indicate periodontal disease. If your pet’s breath has a strong or unpleasant odor, it’s a good idea to check in with your veterinarian.
For pet parents interested in diving deeper into dental health, AMC will host a Zoom webinar on Thursday, February 26th at 6pm ET. Led by Dr. Brad Cingolani, Resident Veterinarian in Dentistry and Oral Surgery at AMC, the free webinar will cover common dental conditions, signs that may indicate a problem, what to expect from veterinary dental examinations, and practical steps to promote healthier teeth and gums at home. To register, visit https://www.amcny.org/event/dental-health-for-pets/.
