February is National Pet Dental Health Month
Don’t turn your nose to Fido’s or Fluffy’s bad breath! That odor might signify a serious health risk, with the potential to damage not only your pet’s teeth and gums but its internal organs as well.
To address the significance of oral health care for pets, the AVMA sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month every February. Click on the links below to learn more about how you can improve the dental (and overall) health of your pets.
Test Yourself
How much do you know about your pet’s dental health? Take our quiz to find out!
Watch
Dr. Sheldon Rubin gives easy, step-by-step instructions on how to teach a dog or cat to accept a daily tooth brushing. He also describes healthy treats, and explains the true risks of periodontal disease in pets.
Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition in cats and dogs even though it’s completely preventable. Dr. Cindy Charlier explains what periodontal disease is and how we can prevent our pets from getting it.
Listen
Dr. Jan Bellows, a former president of the American Veterinary Dental College and owner of All Pets Dental in Weston, Fla., discussed the importance of dental health for our pets in an interview for our Animal Tracks podcast series.
Getting your dog’s teeth cleaned is so important for their health. I wish more pet owners would get their dog’s teeth professionally clean. The gums, the mouth and the teeth can show indicators of potential deadly diseases. Checking for oral cancer is at the top of the list. How many times do you check your dog’s mouth for lumps, bumps and growths? Your vet will.