Preventative Care@3x

Three Steps to Your Pet’s Better Oral Health

Oct 7, 2011 | Arizona Pet Health

How often do you brush your teeth? Once, twice, three times or more a day? That’s great!  Now, how about your teeth brushing for your cat or dog?  


If you had to stop to think about it, it’s probably been too long. And lack of brushing your pet’s teeth regularly can lead to other pet oral health issues, like periodontal disease, which is a common gum infection found in pets. It’s estimated that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease. That’s a statistic that is alarming, yet preventable. We’ve outlined three key ways you can help your dog or cat to achieve better pet oral health, making for a happier, energetic animal.  

1) Bring your pet to the vet! That’s why we called our website ArizonaPetVet.com – don’t wait for an annual checkup if you’re smelling bad breath or seeing infected gums.  

2) Start brushing your pet’s teeth at home and supplement their diet with specially formulated pet foods that assist in limiting plaque and tartar buildup. Look for products that have the ‘Seal of Acceptance’ from the Veterinary Oral Health Council, an organization initiated by the American Veterinary Dental Society to guide consumers. These products meet the standards for limiting plaque and tartar control in dogs and cats.  

3) Be regular with your veterinary checkups for your pets. You wouldn’t put off your childrens’ doctor visits, so do the same with your pets. Your veterinarian can monitor the progress of your pet’s dental health routine, and make individual recommendations.

If you’ve not made a vet visit recently, now’s your time to contact ArizonaPetVet.com and see one of the doctors from the Arrow Animal Hospital group for all your pet needs. Call today.

Disclaimer: Not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.