February brings a new focus in the pet world—Pet Dental Health Month. While this month may be shorter on the calendar, it’s long on importance when it comes to your pet’s overall health. Dental care is often overlooked, yet it plays a major role in your pet’s comfort, longevity, and quality of life. In honor of pet dental month, it’s the perfect time to brush up on tips, tools, and products that help keep your pet’s gums healthy and their smiles bright.
Why Pet Dental Health Matters
Dental disease is one of the most common health issues affecting dogs and cats. Plaque buildup can quickly turn into tartar, leading to gingivitis, infections, tooth loss, and even systemic health problems affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys. Bad breath, while common, is often one of the first warning signs that something more serious may be going on in your pet’s mouth. This is why pet dental health month is more than just a reminder; it’s a call to action for pet owners to prioritize oral care as part of their regular wellness routine.
Start With the Basics: Brushing
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) strongly recommends daily brushing for both dogs and cats. While this may sound ambitious, consistency and patience go a long way. Daily brushing helps remove plaque before it hardens into tartar and more serious problems, and keeps gums healthy.
Getting started can feel intimidating, especially if your pet isn’t used to having their mouth handled. Dr. Sheldon Rubin offers a helpful step-by-step guide that breaks the process down into manageable stages, helping pets gradually become comfortable with brushing. Starting slow, using pet-safe toothpaste, and rewarding positive behavior can make brushing a much more pleasant experience for everyone involved.
Dental Products That Make a Difference
In celebration of Pet Dental Health Month, many pet owners look for products that complement brushing or help when brushing isn’t always possible. After researching popular options, here are a few standout dental care products worth considering:
This all-natural, sugar-free toothpaste is sweetened with Stevia and contains a small amount of Tea Tree Oil to help promote healthy gums. Its appealing taste can make brushing more enjoyable for pets.
C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit for Dogs
Designed to fight bad breath and reduce bacteria, this kit helps neutralize mouth odors with natural antibacterial action. It’s a great starter set for dog owners new to dental care.
Petstages Catnip Dental Health Chews
These chews feature a unique netting material that helps remove soft tartar while massaging gums. The added catnip encourages play, making dental care fun for cats.
Constructed from durable yet flexible rubber, the patented Denta-Ridges help clean teeth and soothe gums while standing up to long-term chewing.
For dogs who resist brushing, this alcohol-free dental spray offers an easy alternative. It requires no rinsing and helps keep your dog’s mouth clean with minimal effort.
PetCareRX offers a full list of 19 dental care product recommendations, giving pet owners plenty of options to explore during pet dental month.
Tackling Bad Breath Head-On
Let’s be honest, most pet owners have experienced a cuddle session interrupted by breath so strong it makes you pull back. While occasional odor can be normal, persistent halitosis is often a sign of dental issues that need to be looked at by a vet.
A favorite recommendation from VIP Pet Services’ own Robin Perdue is Tropiclean’s Advanced Whitening Gel. Her Chihuahua mix, Wishbone, occasionally struggles with bad breath and is a big fan of this gel, which helps freshen breath while supporting dental health.
Help Is Always Available
The good news is you don’t have to manage pet dental care alone. VIP Pet Services’ sitters are trained and ready to help with brushing teeth, applying dental sprays or gels, and even incorporating dental toys into playtime. Whether it’s Tug-of-KONG or a quick brushing session, these small daily actions can make a big difference.
As pet dental health month approaches, take the opportunity to evaluate your pet’s dental routine, try new products, and commit to better oral care. Healthy teeth don’t just mean fresher breath; they mean a happier, healthier pet all year long and more cuddles with your pet!