Happy Pet Dental Health Month!
August is the month we shine a light on the importance of looking after our pets’ dental health and how to develop a dental health regimen for them. Here at Anipal, we are passionate about dental health as over 80% of dogs develop dental disease by the age of three!
Signs of Pet Dental Disease
If your pet has bad breath, discolored teeth, loose teeth, or a change in appetite, it is highly likely that they have dental disease. The good news is that adopting an easy dental health regime for your pet can prevent this from occurring!
What is Dental Disease?
Dental disease refers to conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis, which involve inflammation in the gums and tissue surrounding a tooth. The steps leading to dental disease are:
- Plaque Formation: Bacteria and food accumulate on the tooth surface, forming plaque. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, a yellow, cement-like substance.
- Tartar Buildup: Bacteria in tartar cause bad breath and inflammation.
- Gingivitis: Bacteria cause a red line on the gums, known as gingivitis, indicating inflammation.
- Periodontal Disease: Untreated gingivitis can lead to bacteria spreading into the tissue connecting the tooth to the gum, resulting in loose teeth and tooth loss. This stage is painful and irreversible.
Importance of Pet Dental Health
Advanced dental disease can cause your pet significant pain, tooth loss, and difficulty eating. Additionally, dental disease can allow bacteria to spread throughout the body, causing systemic diseases in the heart, liver, and kidneys, making your pet very unwell.
Best Practices for Dog Dental Care
- Brushing Your Dog's Teeth: Brushing dislodges plaque buildup. Even brushing once or twice a week helps! Start slowly to get your dog used to the brush. Use a tasty toothpaste like Anipal’s Healthy Teeth and Gums toothpaste, which has a natural enzymatic formula and includes sage, aloe vera, and calendula to condition the gums.
- Regular Vet Checkups: Ensure your vet checks your dog's teeth at annual vet visits. Your vet can spot early signs of dental disease, and a scale and polish might be necessary.
- Dental Sticks: Chewing helps remove plaque. Try Anipal’s Calm Dental Sticks for Anxious Dogs or Grow + Train Puppy Dental Sticks for puppies over 12 weeks old. Our formulas include active dental ingredients and unique Australian seaweed to naturally clean your dog's teeth.
By following these practices, you can maintain your pet's dental health, ensuring they live a happy and healthy life.
