National Pet Dental Health Month: When It Is & How It’s Celebrated
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February is National Pet Dental health month. Dental health is extremely important for our pets. Not only can poor dental hygiene cause cavities, but it can create a gateway for infections to enter the body. Just like humans, dogs need their teeth brushed daily to prevent plaque from forming.
For the most part, National Pet Dental Health Month is about educating pet owners about dental health. The American Veterinary Medical Association typically has several monthly events to educate pet parents.1 Some vets may have discounts on dental cleanings during this time. They even produce videos showing how to properly care for your pet’s teeth and help them become more comfortable with brushing.
Of course, they also encourage individuals to get their pets seen by a vet for professional cleaning as needed. They also encourage pet parents to share pictures of their pet’s teeth to encourage others to care for them.
Why National Pet Dental Health Month is Important
Dental health is vital for our pets. Proper dental care adds years to your pet’s life. Poor dental care can lead to cavities and periodontal disease. However, more serious complications will occur if the problems aren’t addressed. Some of these complications can even be deadly.
Most of the time, dental health issues can be fixed through surgery. However, as your pet ages, they may become more sensitive to complications during surgery. For instance, a dog with kidney disease may be unable to undergo anesthesia, preventing dental health problems from being solved. Therefore, even simple problems can turn deadly.
Most of the time, these deadly problems don’t occur until later in your pet’s life. However, you must take care of your dog’s teeth when they are young to prevent problems from occurring when they are older. It’s a long-term solution. Brushing your dog’s teeth when they get old likely is not very helpful if they already have dental problems. Brushing only prevents problems; it doesn’t fix them outright.
Many pet owners are still unaware of dental health’s importance to our pets. Many vet offices try to remedy this during National Pet Dental Health Month in February.
Conclusion
National Pet Dental Health month reminds us of how important dental health is for our pets. Dental health is not optional. Without proper dental care, our pets can end up with serious dental problems. Older dogs tend to be affected the most. However, younger dogs can also experience complications. Some breeds are particularly prone to problems and may need regular professional cleanings on top of at-home cleanings.
You should start brushing your pet’s teeth at a fairly early age—the earlier you start, the more likely your pet will get used to the experience. Always treat periodontal problems as quickly as possible, as they can develop into serious issues. February is the perfect month to ask your vet about your pet’s dental health.
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