Fresh Facts About Your Pet's Dental Health

Did you know?

• By the age of 3, 70% of cats and 80% of dogs have some kind of oral/peridontal issue. Periodontal disease is a disease that affects teeth & their surrounding structures, such as the gums. A dog has 42 teeth, compared to a human’s 32. There’s a lot of room for disease in there!

• A common myth is that bad breath is normal for pets.

  Signs of periodontal disease can include: Bad breath, Difficulty chewing, Oral discomfort, Blood-tinged drool.

• Nasty bacteria causes most of the problems in your pet's mouth.  When bacteria builds up in your pet’s mouth, it can create plaque and tartar, plus it can affect the gums.

  PREVENTION is the key. There are a variety of products, including toothpaste, chews, rinses, & water additives, that you can use to prevent bacteria from accumulating.

• Brushing your pet’s teeth with a pet-safe toothpaste is best. (Remember – human toothpaste contains higher levels of Xylitol, which can be toxic to pets).

  However, we know that getting them used to tooth brushing can be tricky at first. The pet dent gel we carry can actually help fight bacteria if you just get it on your pet’s teeth with your finger. From there, you can work your way up to brushing with a pet toothbrush.

  Be sure to ask the our staff for more tips on brushing your pet’s teeth.