The importance of dental care

February Is Pet Dental Health Month 🦷🐾
Open wide! Consistent, quality dental care is just as important for your pet’s health as it is for yours. You brush your teeth daily, floss (when you remember!), and visit your dentist for routine cleanings and checkups. You know that dental problems can worsen if ignored — becoming more painful and more expensive to treat over time. Gum disease can even increase the risk of heart disease. The same is true for our pets.

Regular, preventive dental care — including at-home care and professional veterinary dental cleanings — is essential for your pet’s overall health, comfort, and longevity.  We are partnering with Pumpkin Pet Insurance to spread awareness about the importance of addressing pet dental disease.

What Is Periodontal Disease?
Dogs and cats rarely develop cavities like humans do, but dental disease is extremely common:

• About 80% of dogs
•  50-90% of cats
• Both by the age of three - four

Periodontal disease is the gradual destruction of the structures that support the teeth — including the gums, ligaments, and bone. It begins when plaque builds up and hardens into tartar above and below the gum line. Over time, this can lead to:

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Tooth loss
• Pain and discomfort
• Difficulty eating
• Infection that can affect the heart, liver, and kidneys

Why February Matters
With February being Pet Dental Health Month, it’s the perfect time to focus on your pet’s oral health.  Please call us at 724-452-6151 and schedule a dental evaluation today.  
In the meantime, here are a few at-home dental care tips.
🪥 Brush Daily
Daily brushing is the gold standard of pet dental care. While it may seem difficult at first, most pets adapt with patience and positive reinforcement. Always use pet-specific toothbrushes and toothpaste — never human toothpaste, as it can be harmful if swallowed.
🦴 Dental Diets & Chews
Special dental diets and chew treats are designed to reduce plaque and tartar. Ask your veterinarian which options are best for your pet.
🧸 Chew Toys
Chew toys can help control plaque when used regularly. Avoid toys that are too hard, as they can fracture teeth.
💧 Water Additives
These are added to your pet’s drinking water to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
                                                           Help us keep your pet smiling.

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