How to Take Care of Your Pet's Dental Health

Do you love to cuddle and kiss your pet, but can’t stand their stinky breath? Your pet’s breath might be more than just a smelly nuisance. It could be a sign of other health problems affecting your pet’s teeth, gums, kidneys, liver, or even heart.

Here are a few steps that you can take to support your pet’s oral health and help prevent further issues during 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! 

1. Schedule routine dental checkups

Your vet is the best person to asses your pet’s teeth and gums to determine the root cause of bad breath. Annual checkups and recommended cleanings are a critical part of your pet’s dental health and can help support their overall health and well-being.

You’ll want to schedule an appointment ASAP if you notice broken, loose, or discolored teeth, abnormal chewing or drooling, reduced appetite, or pain, bleeding, or swelling around the mouth.

2. Brush their teeth with pet-friendly toothpaste

We'll be honest: Most of us are not brushing our pet's teeth as often as we should. However, brushing even once per week can help prevent plaque and tartar from forming on your pet's teeth. There are a number of pet-friendly toothbrushes for dogs and cats, as well as tasty, pet-safe toothpastes that make the process a little bit easier. 

Veterinarians note that routine brushing between dental cleanings is the best way to help keep your pet’s teeth healthy. And fresh breath is certainly an added benefit! Need some help soothing your pet's stress for brushing? Give Composure calming chews 30 minutes beforehand.

3. Use vet-recommended dental supplements

Struggling to brush your pet's teeth as often as you'd like? Just sprinkle Perio Support dental powder over dry, canned, or raw food to help maintain your pet's dental health, without the frustration of brushing. It's easy to use, easy to remember, and was clinically shown to reduce plaque and tartar in a double-blind testing of dogs*! Perio Plus dental sticks and feline bites help clean teeth with a convenient, dual-action design.

VetriScience Daily Dental Bundles make it simple to support dental health in cats and dogs! Get our clinically proven Perio Support plus delicious dental treats and save 10% off.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, most pets start showing signs of dental health issues before the age of three. Since those issues tend to 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 can be managed with vet checkups and daily maintenance, including brushing and dental supplements. We take care of our own dental health, shouldn’t we do the same for our pets?

Take steps to help improve your pet’s oral health (and breath!) during Pet Dental Health Month, and build good habits to keep up with care all year long!

*Evaluation and Comparison of the Effectiveness of VetriScience Powdered Perio Support on the Reduction of Plaque, Calculus, and Gingivitis in Adult Dogs.