(BPT) - Whether you have a dog or cat (or both!), you probably want them to stay healthy and happy for as long as possible. What you may not know is that oral health is key to their overall wellness.
In honor of Pet Dental Health Month, this is the perfect time to learn why your pets' teeth and gums are so vital for keeping them healthy and happy, as well as increasing their longevity. The good news is, there are many simple things you can do to care for your beloved pets' oral health throughout their lifetime.
The mouth-body connection
Why is oral health so crucial to your pet's overall well-being? The truth is, 70% of cats and a whopping 80% of dogs will suffer from some form of dental health issues by the time they are 3 years old, with their risk of dental problems increasing as they age.
These potentially painful dental health problems don't just stay in their mouth. When plaque and tartar build up on a dog or cat's teeth, they can cause gingivitis: inflammation, redness, swelling and even bleeding of the gums. Over time, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, where harmful bacteria invades the gums and can even enter their bloodstream, potentially damaging vital organs over time.
Oral bacteria have been linked to serious conditions including heart disease, liver problems and kidney failure in dogs, as well as sepsis, kidney, liver and heart disease in cats. One study found that dogs with severe gum disease were much more likely to develop heart issues like endocarditis or congestive heart failure.
It's not just bad breath
One early indication your pet may be experiencing oral health issues is bad breath, but there are many other signs. Dogs and cats can effectively mask their pain, and unfortunately can't tell you when something hurts them. Watch for signs like:
- Redness, swelling or bleeding of the gums
- Drooling
- Weight loss
- Taking longer to eat or having difficulty eating
- Tilting head when eating
Other changes in behavior, like being less playful or active, are worth checking out with your pet's veterinarian.
What you can do
You can take proactive steps to prevent oral health problems. Any one of these steps can help, but consistently following many of them will go even further toward ensuring your four-legged family member stays healthy for years to come. No matter your pet's age, it's never too early or too late to begin building healthy habits.
Regular tooth brushing: Use toothpaste designed for dogs or cats (not humans), with a soft brush or finger brush. Try to brush at least a few times per week, if not daily. Introduce brushing along with positive rewards like treats. Even 30 seconds of brushing can help disrupt plaque before it hardens.
Dental chews or treats: Chewing can be nature's toothbrush. Dental chew toys or treats can mechanically scrape plaque from your dog's or cat's teeth. However, some are high in calories or not very effective. Look for VOHC-accepted dental chews or veterinarian-recommended products with scientific backing, like these choices from Swedencare's ProDen PlaqueOff® line:
- New Crunchy Dental Bites for Dogs and Crunchy Dental Bites for Cats are natural, effective supplements that support your pet's oral health, featuring the 100% natural kelp ingredient A.N ProDen®. Clinical trials show significant reduction in plaque and tartar while improving bad breath, with noticeable improvement in 3-8 weeks when used as directed.
- Soft Chews — Dogs or Soft Chews — Cats are another option you can try, containing similar ingredients and providing similar results as Crunchy Dental Bites. They are perfect for older pets who may have difficulty eating harder chews, and can double as a reward or treat your furry friends will love.
- Dental Care Bones for Dogs are designed to satisfy your dog's natural chewing instincts while supporting dental health. Perfect for pet parents looking for an enjoyable chewing experience, they contain the same unique, clinically studied kelp ingredient A.N ProDen® found throughout the ProDen PlaqueOff® range.
Oral health supplements: Adding an oral health powder to your pet's diet is one of the easiest, most seamless ways to keep their teeth cleaner. These work with the animal, helping to prevent plaque from sticking and hardening through natural chemical processes in your pet's body. ProDen PlaqueOff's® Powder for Dogs and Powder for Cats are odorless and tasteless, using the same natural, effective ingredients as other products in the ProDen PlaqueOff® line.
The powder is also an economical choice: A 40 g bottle of Powder for cats lasts up to four months, and a 60 g bottle for dogs lasts roughly six months for a 22-pound dog. All ProDen PlaqueOff® formats can be used daily and for long-term use, complementing each other and offering flexible options that are easy to use.
"Dental issues are some of the most common problems we see in the clinic — and they're often painful, advanced and expensive before owners even notice," said veterinarian Marie Jury. "That's why preventive care is absolutely essential. A daily product like ProDen PlaqueOff®, which is accepted by the VOHC, can make a meaningful difference long before problems start."
Annual checkups: Your veterinarian is your best ally in protecting your pet's oral health. They can also perform services like professional dental cleanings, which may be necessary to address oral health issues.
Following these steps, you can help ensure your dog or cat maintains good oral health and overall well-being — so you can enjoy many more years of tail wagging, cuddles and play time together.
