While pet owners know a good diet, regular exercise, and keeping up with exams and vaccines are essential for their animals’ wellness, one major component of health often goes overlooked. Pet dental care is just as important as these other factors, which is why veterinarians across the U.S. are educating their patients this National Pet Dental Health Month. Discover what makes oral care so critical for your pet and how you can promote their dental health below.

Why Is Oral Care Necessary for Pet Wellness?

Like humans, animals must maintain strong, healthy teeth to eat. Cats and dogs can also develop plaque, which may result in painful gum disease if left unaddressed. Because pets can’t tell their owners when something is bothering them, irritation may result in a refusal to eat, weight loss, and even the development of abscesses. When untreated, gum disease can also damage your pet’s internal organs, leading to conditions like heart, liver, and kidney diseases.  

Pronounced gum disease can also cause tooth loss, decay, and the need for extractions. Without their natural set of teeth, pets will have difficulty maintaining a normal diet. While you should look for these and other signs of dental issues, including foul breath, the best approach is a preventive one. 

How Can You Care for Your Pet’s Teeth?

Caring for your pet’s teeth starts with a diligent home care routine. Your veterinarian can recommend the right products, tools, and practices to use based on your pet’s dental needs. Daily brushing and giving healthy dental treats are two ways to support optimal oral health at home.

Visit the veterinarian for periodic checkups and professional cleanings. Performed under anesthesia, these thorough cleanings involve removing tartar using special tools, which owners would otherwise not be able to do at home. A professional teeth cleaning once a year reduces the risk for oral conditions and promotes better dental and overall health.

If you’re ready to schedule your pet for a dental cleaning, contact the caring team from Waipahu Waikele Pet Hospital. Serving Oahu since 1972, this veterinary hospital provides comprehensive pet care, including dental services performed by board-certified dentists. Their facility also offers emergency care with a veterinarian on-site 24/7. Schedule an appointment by calling (808) 671-7387, or learn more about their pet dental care solutions online.