Show Your Pet the Love During Pet Dental Month

There has never been a better time to start taking care of your cat or dog's teeth. February is Pet Dental Month. Oral disease is the most common diagnosed health problem in cats and dogs. Gum disease can lead to more severe life threatening health issues. These include heart and kidney disease.

All pets should have a dental exam yearly. According to veterinarians, 2/3 of all pet owners do not provide the proper dental care for their cats and dogs. By the time they are three years of age, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease. The most common problem with dogs is broken teeth. Resorptive lesions are found in ¼ of domestic cats.

The best way to prevent oral disease is to have a daily dental care regimen at home for your pets. The pet owner should always been looking for warning signs of oral disease. Red and swollen gums are just one warning sign. Also, if your cat or dog is in pain or bleeds when their mouth is touched. If around the gum line, there is yellow-brown crust of tartar that is a potential issue. Bad breath for your cat or dog is one last possible issue for your pets. If you see any of these signs, the cat or dog should be taken to the veterinarian.

Table scraps are bad for your pet's health and oral care. They cause increase plaque and tartar in your cat and dog. Hard food is better keeping plaque from getting on the teeth of your pet.

If a dog has ridge like wear on his teeth, the dog has probably been chewing on a chain-link fence. The most common problem for broken teeth in dogs is cow hooves.

Even though, it is not easy or fun, cats and dogs need a daily dental regimen. It might take weeks or months for the pet to accept getting their teeth brushed. The key to getting them to accept brushing is to keep the sessions short and to give them praise.

Never ever use human toothpaste. There are special toothpastes at your local pet store. They are normally flavored with meat or fish. Before, you ever use a toothbrush on the family pet, they must be trained to accept it. One good method is to dip finger into beef bouillon for dogs and tuna water for cats. Rub your finger over their mouth and teeth.