February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so it’s a good time to get reacquainted with your pet’s dental care. Learn more about how to keep their teeth clean at home and with the help of your vet in the following guide.

Symptoms of Dental Issues

Unfortunately, a recent study of over two million pets found that 68% of cats and 78% of dogs have dental problems. With proper care, you can keep your pet from becoming part of this statistic. Watch out for the warning signs of pet dental disease, which include:

• Bad breath
• Discolored teeth
• Abnormal chewing
• Excessive drooling
• Reduced appetite
• Bleeding from the mouth

If you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog or cat to the vet.

What Your Vet Can Do

If your pet has severe dental issues, they may need veterinary dentistry, which can include cleaning, adjusting, filling, or repairing their teeth. One of the most common procedures is scaling, which removes plaque and tartar from their teeth. Animals are usually put under anesthesia for these procedures so they don’t hurt themselves or the veterinary staff.

What You Can Do at Home

To keep your pet’s teeth healthy, brush them once a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste made exclusively for pets. Ask your vet for product recommendations.

Brush your pet’s teeth at the same time every day to create a routine. Give them a treat and cuddle with them to relax them before beginning. Don’t grab your pet, stand over them, or hold them down, which will only give them a negative impression of having their teeth brushed.

Hold them gently and slowly begin touching their mouth and gums. Once they’re comfortable with that, introduce them to the toothpaste, then the toothbrush.

When they’re familiar with having the brush in their mouth, use a circular motion to clean their teeth and gum line. Spend about two minutes brushing their entire mouth.

When you're done, end on a positive note with their favorite treat or lots of attention so they see this daily task as something to look forward to.

Waipio Pet Clinic in Waipahu, HI, is here to help keep your pet’s teeth clean and healthy. The pet hospital serves dogs and cats on Oahu and across Hawaii with comprehensive services like surgery, vaccinations, and emergency care. Visit their website and Instagram to learn more about their services. Call (808) 676-2205 to set up an appointment.