by Lauren Cavagnolo

Has your pup stopped eating like he used to or started pawing at his mouth? Maybe you’ve noticed his breath has been especially foul lately, or he is drooling more than normal. These can all be signs of poor dental health in your pet. 

February is National Pet Dental Health Month, designated to raise awareness about the importance of oral health in our family pets. Good oral hygiene not only prevents pain and infection but can also protect vital organs and improve overall health, adding years to your pet’s life.

Warning Signs of Poor Dental Health

In addition to poor appetite or difficulty eating, discolored teeth, broken or loose teeth, and blood in the food bowl can all be warning signs of poor dental hygiene.

“Most pet owners don’t look in their pet’s mouth, let alone think that their pet’s teeth will rot,” said Dr. Kimberly Weiss, owner of Healing Hands Veterinary Wellness Center in Oklahoma City. 

“Many pet owners don’t think their pets have dental issues.”

Additionally, pets don’t always show obvious signs of oral pain, making it difficult for pet owners to recognize, said Dr. Ashley Feeley at River Trail Animal Hospital in Tulsa. “Sometimes the only sign is decreased interest in eating.”

Left untreated, poor dental hygiene can lead to bigger problems (and bigger bills) down the road for pet owners. 

Bacteria are the cause of bad breath. Coupled with inflamed gums, these early signs of poor hygiene will lead to bigger health issues, explained Dr. Dan Danner, owner of Danner Veterinary Hospital in Tulsa. 

“Bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and damage the heart, liver and kidneys, leading to more serious health problems,” added Feeley.

Prevention Is Key

The best ways to avoid dental problems and related health issues are feeding your dog quality food, brushing his teeth, giving him dental chews and toys, and taking him for an annual veterinarian exam. 

Common sense and awareness can go a long way, said Danner. Pet owners should look in their pet’s mouth two to three times a month. 

“ It’s really important to monitor that, and if you can sense the dog’s not doing something right or licking more, then take a look under that lip and see what’s going on,” Danner encouraged. 

As with people, brushing daily is one of the best ways to keep your pet’s teeth clean and healthy.

“Start early with conditioning your pet to allow brushing of teeth daily,” Feeley advised. “Preventing the accumulation of dental tartar is the best way to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.” 

The right food, toys and products can also help keep dental health issues at bay. 

“Good nutrition is a start for good teeth, as well as proper dental chews or toys. Pet owners can get enzymes that can help dissolve tartar,” Weiss said.

Danner recommends using canine enzymatic toothpaste or rinses at the end of the day after taking up food and water. This allows the treatment to stay on the teeth longer. 

And when it comes to cats and other small mammals, the advice on oral hygiene can vary.

“Cats don’t chew toys like dogs, and they won’t drink their water if additives are in the water. So proper food is best,” Weiss said. “Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, mice, gerbils, etc., all have teeth that grow constantly. Pet owners must provide proper enrichment that can be chewed to keep their teeth at a healthy size.”

Weiss said signs of dental issues in pocket pets and rodents are weight loss, not eating and excessive salivation.

Have a veterinarian evaluate your pet’s teeth at least once a year; they can advise you on the need for an anesthetic dental procedure for your pet, said Weiss.

Your veterinarian may recommend a professional dental cleaning under anesthesia for your pet. 

“This allows us to examine the teeth safely and effectively,” Feeley said. “Dental radiographs (X-rays) are also beneficial as it allows us the ability to evaluate the integrity of teeth under the gum line. Based on a complete dental exam, your veterinarian may recommend tooth extractions.”

Veterinarian dental care has come a long way over the years, with more options and procedures that mirror human dental care, said Danner.

Common Misconceptions 

Some pet owners incorrectly believe that it is not safe for older pets to undergo anesthesia for routine dental cleanings. 

“Anesthesia can safely be performed on older pets,” Feeley said. “Depending on your pet’s health history, your veterinarian may recommend additional bloodwork or testing prior to anesthesia to ensure they use the right anesthetic techniques.” 

Additionally, there are pet owners who think providing hard plastic toys and bones for their dog will help keep their pet’s teeth healthy. 

“These products can actually cause more damage and tooth fractures that expose the tooth to infections,” Feeley added.

The bottom line is to take care of your pet’s dental hygiene at home, monitor for early warning signs of a problem and don’t skip the annual vet visit. Preventative care and early action can keep your pet happy and healthy for years to come.  

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Pet Owner Action Steps

• Know the warning signs of dental problems.
• Look in your pet’s mouth regularly and brush their teeth.
• Provide proper food, dental chews and toys.
• Have your pet’s teeth examined annually by a veterinarian and follow their recommendations.