Let’s be honest, no one loves going to the dentist. And if our dogs and cats had a say, they’d probably skip it too. But just like us, our pets need regular dental care to stay healthy. So why does your pet’s dental health really matter?

Think about what your teeth would look and feel like if you never brushed them. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over age three already have some form of dental disease. That makes dental disease one of the most common health issue affecting pets today. Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth loss, painful abscesses, difficulty eating, and other serious health problems. The good news is that there are things pet parents can do to keep their pets’ mouths clean and healthy.

Brush Regularly (Yes, really!)

Daily brushing is the gold standard for preventing dental disease in pets. It removes plaque before it hardens into tartar and helps keep gums healthy.

Important tips:

• Always use a toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for pets.
• Pet toothpaste is safe to swallow, doesn’t bubble and comes in flavors pets love, like bacon!
• Never use human toothpaste.

If you’re looking for an easy starter option, the Paw Ready Brushing Bundle includes a dual-ended brush, pet-safe toothpaste, and even a bite block to make brushing easier and protect your fingers.

Dental Wipes

If your pet refuses a toothbrush, don’t give up. Dental wipes can be a great alternative that most pets tolerate.

earthbath® Tooth & Gum Wipes help reduce plaque and odor-causing bacteria. They’re a plant based textured wipe that allows you to physically remove debris along the teeth and gumline. They are free of parabens,  alcohol and other chemicals that do not belong in the mouth. They contain baking soda and mint to freshen your pet’s breath.

Dental Chews & Treats

In between brushing and wiping your pet’s teeth, you can utilize dental chews and treats to help keep your pet’s teeth clean.

Dental chews and treats are specially textured to help scrape away plaque as your dog chews. When choosing dental chews, look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval, which indicates the chews have been tested for effectiveness.

Remember chews aren’t a replacement for brushing, but they can be a nice addition to your pet’s oral routine.

Veterinary Dental Diets

Some pets may benefit from specially formulated dental diets that help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. These diets are designed with specific textures and ingredients that support oral health. If you’re curious whether this option is right for your pet, talk with your veterinarian.

Fresh Breath Dental Strips

Already brushing or using wipes? You can enhance your pet’s oral routine with dental strips.

Nanos Vet Fresh Breath Dental Strips use nanofiber technology to neutralize odor-causing compounds. They adhere along the gumline and dissolve in about 30 seconds, offering a quick breath refresh.

Again, brushing is the gold standard, but these are a convenient addition to your existing dental care routine that’s sure to improve doggy breath.

Annual Veterinary Checkups

Lastly, even if you’re brushing daily and using all the right products, your pet still needs to have their mouth checked by their veterinarian at least once a year. This allows your veterinarian to detect early signs of dental disease, broken teeth, oral cancers and more.

Home care is on of the best ways to prevent dental disease, but it doesn’t replace these yearly professional evaluations.

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

Dental disease is common, but thankfully it is also usually preventable. The best way to prevent dental disease is to brush your pet’s daily or use dental wipes if your pet hates the toothbrush and schedule annual veterinary visits.

For more about how dental disease occurs and dental cleanings check out my previous blog.