February is National Pet Dental Health Month. Buy a bag of food – any size, and Patsy will give you a FREE Natural Balance Dental Chew. Natural Balance Dental Chews have unique groves to encourage healthy chewing and helps with the removal of tarter.
It’s important to take care of your furry friends teeth. If left untreated, plaque and tartar buildup can progress to periodontal disease, which can be quite painful. Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition in cats and dogs, while at the same time is completely preventable.
You can take just a few simple steps to get and keep your pet’s teeth and gums in perfect condition.
- If you notice bad breath, don’t ignore it. Bad breath is a sign that there are issues with your pet’s gums and teeth.
- Brush those pearly whites. While awkward, give yourself several weeks of brushing your pet’s teeth and gums to get into a routine that can also be a bonding experience. Begin by letting your pet smell the toothbrush and pet toothpaste, then gradually work your way to brushing for 30 seconds on each side of her mouth at least every other day. Please note that human toothpaste isn’t safe for pets, so use a product that is pet approved.
Here is an organic homemade dog toothpaste recipe. Take a beef bouillon cube and dissolve it in a quarter cup of water. Add two tablespoons of baking soda and stir in enough coconut oil to make a paste. Add cinnamon if you’d like to make their breath smell good.
We carry various toothbrushes and pet toothpaste that are a much healthier option as your dog will swallow the toothpaste.
- Dental toys, chews and treats. As your dog chews and gnaws on a bone, treat, or toy it will help with the removal of plaque and tarter buildup. Nylabone’s with ridges are our favorite dental toys. The chews we recommend include any chew from our Chew Saloon – as they are healthy with no chemical additives. We have several excellent treats to choose from including Old Mother Hubbard treats and Smart Bones. We also carry edible toothbrushes along with Natural Balance Dental Chews.
- Have your vet give a dental exam. Your Vet knows best and will determine if there are any warning signs of periodontal disease; such as bad breath. Your Vet will then check the head and neck for any abnormalities, and then check your pet’s teeth and gums for redness, bleeding and inflammation. They will also look for any tooth loss, cracked teeth, plaque and tartar, as well as potentially cancerous lumps.
Many groomers include a dental package in their grooming package. This isn’t enough to ensure proper dental health care. Please make sure your Vet looks at your pets’ teeth as to avoid missing any warning signs.
