It's February, which means it’s once again National Pet Dental Health Month. Current estimates show that approximately 75% of cats and dogs over the age of three suffer from poor dental health. Oral disease represents the most commonly diagnosed health problem for companion animals. While considered an inconvenience by many pet parents, proper dental care is a necessary component for overall health, as oral disease can lead to internal organ damage.

Pet parents need to be on the lookout for several dental disease warning signs, including …

• Tartar build up

• Receding, bleeding or swollen gums

• Discolored or fractured teeth

• Foul breath

• Changes in eating habits

• Excessive drooling

• Sores on the lips or gums

If you note any of these symptoms, it’s imperative that you schedule an appointment with your vet to discuss possible courses of action.

The best way to prevent onset of oral disease and infection is through brushing teeth with a pet-approved toothpaste. Don’t, under any circumstances, use human toothpaste, as dogs and cats swallow toothpaste, and they cannot process the chemicals in our over-the-counter brands. While committing to brushing your companion’s teeth regularly will go a long way to prevent dental disease, you should also …

• Encourage play with toys that will help to abrade debris from teeth and gums

• Provide dental chews to reduce the build up of plaque and tartar

• Schedule regular dental exams with
  your veterinarian

• Feed food that promotes a healthy
  digestive system

Did you know that certain breeds of dogs and cats are genetically predisposed to dental illnesses? According to recent data, the Maltese ranks highest among purebred dogs with persistent tooth and gum problems. In the cat world, the Siamese and the Abyssinian, charming as they are, both have serious tooth problems and often teeth pulled during their youth.

The quality of your pet's food can also contribute to the onset of periodontal disease. Low quality foods can cause gastrointestinal problems, which can lead to bad breath. Easily digestible foods like Life's Abundance not only provide high-quality nourishment, but also work to promote intestinal health.

At HealthyPetNet, we take dental health seriously. As pet parents ourselves, we know how difficult it can be to establish a consistent oral care routine. That’s why we’ve developed several products to address these critical issues, before they become major problems.

With HealthyPetNet’s Daily Oral Care, you can maintain a healthy routine without your companion animals even noticing! This formula is the ultimate breath enhancer and dental health promoter, perfect for dogs and for cats. It features refreshing mint oils along with the cleansing action of Yucca to neutralize offensive digestive tract odors that can contribute to bad breath. Simply add a capful of this tasteless, odorless liquid to your pet's water to help maintain a healthy and pleasant smelling mouth. Like all of HealthyPetNet’s products, you’ll find it effective and safe, all without the use of harsh chemicals.

As veterinarians will tell you, almost as important as brushing is friction from chewing something tough but malleable (actual bones are not generally recommended). The majority of chewable “bones” for dogs on the market today are made from rawhide, which is difficult to digest and can cause severe intestinal problems. But there is a healthier option! Made with easy-to-digest pork skin, HealthyPetNet Dental Chews are a tasty and healthy alternative to rawhide. Dental Chews provide an optimal texture to help scrape tartar and plaque from teeth. And we’ve included a blend of mint and chlorophyll that will keeps dogs happily chewing their way to cleaner teeth, healthier gums and fresher breath.

Every now and again, we like to reward our beloved pups with a special indulgence.  But you may have noticed that many of the popular treats on the market are laden with refined sugars, chemical preservatives, and artificial flavors and colors. Once again, HealthyPetNet has got your pet dental needs covered! Our Gourmet Dental Treats are made with a special blend of harvest grains, creamy peanut butter and natural honey. This unique recipe includes hefty helpings of calcium and phosphorus to support healthy teeth and bones. We’ve also added parsley to sweeten the breath. With Gourmet Dental Treats, you'll be helping to support dental health and treating your dog to scrumptious oven-baked goodness!

As you can see, just by taking a few simple steps, you can help your companion animal enjoy a lifetime of dental health.