Smile! February is National Pet Dental Health Month. We know your pets give you endless reasons to feel happy and loved, so why not return the favor? When you help your pet keep their teeth clean, free of buildup, it will ensure their oral health for many years. 

At Care-A-Lot Pet Supply, we stock everything you need to brighten your pet’s smile and keep their teeth strong and healthy. You might not realize a pet should observe good dental hygiene, but their teeth care is somewhat similar to ours.

Every dog should have their own toothbrush and toothpaste. We recommend the Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Kit, with a peanut flavor dogs love.

Puppies, like children, have baby teeth that will fall out when their permanent teeth come in. This usually happens when your puppy is about six months old, so don’t panic if you see a loose “milk tooth.” Consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about their teeth coming in properly.

Puppies love Greenies, too! Check out the special Greenies Puppy treats for your babies. 

When it comes to cleaning your dog’s teeth, it’s recommended daily, once or twice. Dogs, like humans, can experience plaque buildup. If left ignored, it may cause a variety of problems, including bad breath and tooth decay. 

It’s important to create trust and calm your dog as you prepare to brush their teeth. Your pet may get a bit skittish when you hold a brush to their mouth, but if you can soothe their nerves and create trust, brushing can become a nice bonding experience.

Help reduce plaque buildup with PlaqueOff Dental Bones. These formulated treats are designed for easy digestion, and reduce tartar and bad breath, too. 

When it’s time to brush, “introduce” the dental supplies to your pet. Let them sniff the brush and taste the toothpaste. Rub a bit of toothpaste on a tooth, so they’ll know how it feels. Encourage your dog’s good behavior as you handle their muzzle and teeth. It may take time to build their trust, but it’s worth it to get them to open up, literally, to you. 

If you’re able to brush their entire mouth the first time, that’s okay. Clean what teeth you can, and try to get more next time. Be patient and put their comfort first, and in time they will relax when you are ready to shine their smile again.

After a cleaning, show your dog some love with a treat! Try TropiClean Advanced Cleaning Dental Chews.

For detailed information on good pet dental health, visit our page on Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth.

At Care-A-Lot Pet Supply, we offer a variety of pet dental products for healthy teeth and fresh breath. Check out all of our dental products for National Pet Dental Health month. Order online or visit any of our stores in Hampton Roads and Moyock.