Hamster in a teapot (photo credit Angie Perkins)

Hamster in a teapot (photo credit Angie Perkins)

February is known for many things, one of them being the month of love. I hope by the end of this post you will always remember it a little differently. February is National Pet Dental month, A month to help bring awareness to keeping your pet’s teeth in good healthy condition.

Dental disease is the most common disease seen by veterinarians: 70-85{5b6c00ae8a31f44c65b344f315968efbd322bfc6ea45e4e8cca9716c4473fad8} of pets over the age of 2 have some form of dental disease. There are several ways to keep your pets’ teeth clean and healthy, plus how to prevent that stinking breath which may be caused by an infection.

Your Pet’s Teeth

There are many ways that dogs’ and cats’ teeth can become dirty and have tarter build up. Sometimes you may need to help your furry friends with a little dental care. Feeding a hard kibble, and chew toys will help to keep tartar build up low. Tartar can build up and lead to increased gum disease and, ultimately, tooth loss.

There may also come a time when we need to brush our pets’ teeth. There are many different types of pet toothbrushes and toothpaste to help fit everyone’s needs. Although your dog will probably not care too much for you brushing his teeth, it is an important step to healthy mouth care.

Other Pets Need Dental Care as Well

Dogs and cats are not they only pets that need dental care. Rabbits, chinchillas and guinea pigs have teeth that are open rooted which means their teeth grow continuously. It is crucial to give them the proper food and treats to help wear down their teeth. Continuous growth will cause many problems, the tooth roots will become impacted, elongated and inflamed.

Tooth root impaction is extremely painful and will eventually lead to an infection in the bone, or “jaw abscess”. Regular dental checks will help make sure your pets’ teeth are healthy and not over growing. Giving hard wood treats and fresh veggies will aid in keeping teeth worn down.

Small rodents such as gerbils, hamsters, rats and mice have teeth similar to rabbits. The difference being that only their front incisors grow continuously. These little pets must constantly have chew toys and the proper diet as well. Wood chews or lava blocks make good chews for them.

As we go to brush our teeth, we must remember our furbabies teeth as well. Proper Dental care is important to a healthy happy pet. Pet stores carry many dental treats, water additives, dental chew toys, toothbrushes and toothpaste to help you maintain your pet’s oral care.

If you are unsure if your pet is experiencing any type of dental problems, seek medical advice immediately. Many vets offer services such as teeth cleaning and extraction if needed. It is very painful to your pet to have unhealthy teeth and gums, so I hope that after reading this you will check just to make sure your furbaby’s smile is just as healthy as your own.

We Love our pets. They deserve the best!

Happy National Pet Dental Month To All!!!!

I’d love to hear your funny pet toothbrushing stories!

Audies Angels

Audrey Lohrey-Owner