Be honest – do you brush your dog or cat’s teeth? Did you know that only 2% of pet owners brush their pet’s teeth?
Um, I’m guilty. I don’t brush my animal’s teeth. I do, however, take preventative measures to ensure that my babies maintain bright beautiful smiles! Here are some things you can do to avoid a costly dental procedure in the future.
Brush their teeth: PetSmart offers a wide variety of toothbrushes and paste for your doggy or kitty. Some brands even have alternatives like finger brushes or oral sprays. Never use human toothpaste! Experts say you should brush your pet’s teeth once a week with pet friendly products. Some vets even offer discounted teeth cleanings during the month of February for National Pet Dental Health month!
Invest in dental chews: I give Khloee and Wynston a dental chew every single day. I have to say, both of them have very healthy teeth and neither of them have bad breath. A majority of dogs and cats have dental disease by the time they’re 3 years old! Let’s avoid this buy purchasing from a variety of dental bones: Pedigree DentaStix (our favorite), Greenies, Purina Busy Dental Bones, Whimzees or Milkbones!
Signs of dental disease in dogs:
- bleeding or red gums
- loose teeth
- blood in water or when chewing on toys
- bad breath
- chewing on one side of the mouth
- not wanting head touched
For more signs, symptoms and info on gum/dental disease in pets, check out PetMD. Consult your vet if you think your cat, dog or other animal may have a dental disease.
How do you keep your pet’s teeth clean?
[…] bones: In honor of Pet Dental Month, it’s only fitting that I throw a dental bone in their buckets! Since normally we use […]