Do you love to cuddle and kiss your pet but can’t stand its smelly breath? Every cat or dog owner has been there before. But, your pet’s breath might be more than just a stinky nuisance. Bad breath, clinically known as halitosis could be a sign of a significant health problem affecting your pet’s teeth, gums, kidneys, liver or heart.
Periodontal disease is the most commonly diagnosed clinical condition in cats and dogs. By the age of three, most pets show signs of dental health issues according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Since those issues only worsen with age, it’s important to be proactive about your pet’s dental health.
Fortunately for you and your four-legged friend, dental health issues are preventable with daily maintenance, frequent brushing and annual trips to trusted vet. Since February is “Pet Dental Health Month,” it’s the perfect time for you to take control of your pet’s dental health on the path to a long, happy and healthy life!
Oral health is an essential part of your pet’s overall health and well-being. Failure to properly address dental health could lead to more serious issues as the toxins from periodontal disease are absorbed in the bloodstream. But, tartar and plaque buildup isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm – at least not yet. There are a few steps that you can take to support your pet’s oral health and help prevent further issues.
1. Routine checkups
Leave it to your vet to properly asses your pet’s teeth and gums to determine the root cause of bad breath. Annual cleanings are a critical part of your pet’s oral health and may help prevent serious health problems. You’ll want to schedule an appointment sooner if you notice broken, loose or discolored teeth, abnormal chewing or drooling, reduced appetite, and pain, bleeding or swelling around the mouth.
2. Brush their teeth
Most of us have never dared to take a close look, let alone brush our pets’ teeth. However, brushing once per week could help prevent plaque and tartar from forming on its teeth. Veterinarians note that routine brushing between dental cleanings is the best way to help keep your pet’s teeth healthy. Fresh breath and pearly whites certainly don’t hurt, either!
3. Try supplements!
Can’t stand the hassle and mess of brushing your pet’s teeth? We can’t blame you! Instead, you can use Perio Support to make your life easier. Just sprinkle this tasteless, odorless powder over meals to maintain your pet’s dental health without the aggravation of brushing. Perio Support is easy to use, easy to remember and demonstrates clinically proven results in a double-blind testing of dogs.*
Between brushing, flossing and dental cleanings, we go to considerable lengths to take care of our own dental health. Shouldn’t we do the same for our pets? Say “yes” to your pet’s oral health and fresh breath during “Pet Dental Health Month” this February.
*Evaluation and Comparison of the Effectiveness of VetriScience Powdered Perio Support on the Reduction of Plaque, Calculus, and Gingivitis in Adult Dogs.
