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February marks National Pet Dental Health Month but good oral hygiene should continue all year long. Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats. Also, this is known as the most common condition that goes unnoticed by us, pet owners. Caused by poor oral hygiene, this disease causes more than bad breath. Periodontal disease is very preventable with regular dental exams from your veterinarian. Providing a regular dental routine for your dog or cat is essential, and there are a lot of products to help. Learn how to recognize the warning signs of dental disease, how to brush your pet’s teeth, and test your own knowledge on our other blog.
New VetraDent and AquaDent Products for 2020
Here at VetRxDirect, we carry a large variety of dental health solutions. We would like to mention a couple of new and noteworthy products that will help keep those mouths clean, fresh, and healthy. There are 2 new additions to the Vetradent dental health line, and C.E.T. Aquadent is now back with a new formula.
Vetradent Rawhide Dental Chews use the natural abrasive texture of beef rawhide and your dog’s chewing action to help fight against plaque and tartar. Ventradent uses Biotrate technology to break through biofilm in the mouth, and help reduce bacteria. They are coated with zinc chloride to help reduce bad breath and citric acid to maintain the pH balance in the mouth.
Vetradent Toothpaste brushes away plaque and tartar. Vetradent uses Biotrate technology to break through biofilm in the mouth. It helps reduce bad breath and maintain the pH balance in the mouth. This chicken-flavored toothpaste does not require rinsing and comes with a double-headed toothbrush appropriate for cats and dogs of all sizes.
C.E.T. AquaDent FR3SH Dental Solution freshens your dog or cat’s breath each day by simply adding it to their drinking water. It helps encourage healthy teeth and gums by controlling plaque. FR3SH Technology combines 3 natural ingredients that freshen the mouth, help control bad breath from digestion, and provide antioxidant benefits.
Do you have a favorite dental routine or product for your dog or cat? Leave us a comment below!
February marks National Pet Dental Health Month, and we are here to pay tribute to those pearly whites. Learn more about periodontal disease – including the warning signs, test your knowledge with a quiz, gain tips on toothbrush training, and see the newest dental products.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats. It is also the most common condition that goes unnoticed by us, pet owners. Caused by poor oral hygiene, this disease causes more than bad breath. It can lead to painful mouth conditions and make eating difficult for your dog or cat. It can also lead to more serious problems and affect internal organs.
Periodontal disease starts when bacteria in the mouth accumulate and form plaque, a sticky film that clings to the surface of teeth. If the plaque is not removed, minerals in the saliva will cause the plaque to harden and form tartar. Tartar is a hard, crusty deposit that is yellow to brown in color and easily seen on your pet’s teeth. Tartar forms on the surface of the teeth, but also forms at and below the gumline where it cannot be seen. Tartar underneath the gumline can irritate gum tissue, cause infection, and lead to gum recession, loose, teeth, and bone loss.
Tartar can cause damage to the jawbone and the tissues that connect the tooth to the jaw bone. Oral exams are essential for preventing disease, and x-rays are needed in order to asses dental health below the gumline. Make an appointment with your vet if your dog or cat shows any of these warning signs.
Warning Signs of Dental Disease
Bad breath
Redness or swelling of the gums
Bleeding from the mouth
Loose or broken teeth
Discolored teeth
Tenderness or swelling in or around the mouth
Dropping food from the mouth, abnormal chewing, or drooling
Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
Weight Loss
Veterinary Dental Care
Periodontal disease is very preventable. How? With regular dental exams from your veterinarian. Your dog or cat’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year for early signs of problems.
During an exam, they will look at your dog or cat’s teeth and gums for signs of plaque or tartar buildup, and detect any problems. Your vet will recommend a regimen based on your pet’s age, general health, and the condition of their teeth. X-rays and regular teeth cleanings are a common treatment plan for dental wellness and diseases. If a cleaning is due for your dog or cat, ask about discounts or special dental health programs during February as they’re often available during pet dental month. Learn more.
Home Dental Care
Start a regular dental regimen as early as you can. If you have a puppy or kitten, get them accustomed to opening their mouth, moving the upper and lower lips, and regular gum massages. This will help them become more accepting of regular tooth brushing and oral exams.
Commit to your plan. Stay on schedule and follow through with your plans for the best long-term dental care. Dental hygiene is a very important part of your dog or cat’s overall health and longevity.
Choosing Oral Hygiene Products. Talk to your veterinarian about which dental health supplies, chews, or supplements are right for your pet and how to use them. These can help you maintain your pets dental health at home between visits or cleaning, and may help prevent the formation of oral diseases. Above all, toothbrushing is the most effective method to remove plaque. It is important to choose a pet toothpaste, as human toothpaste can contain harmful ingredients. Getting your pet comfortable with toothbrushing can take time and patience. Check out the helpful video below. Dental chews, rinses, supplements, and other products also help keep teeth clean and maintain hygiene.
Test Yourself
How much do you really know about your pet’s dental health? Take this quiz by the AVMA.
Dental Health Care Products
VetRxDirect has a wide selection of dental care products for both dogs and cats. Check out these favorites:
1-TDC, TetraDecanol Complex, is an esterified fatty acid oil that naturally supports healthy gum tissue and helps reduce the risk of periodontal disease in dogs and cats. It also works to encourage the health and function of your pet’s joints to keep them active and mobile.
Vetradent reduces bacteria in the mouth responsible for plaque and tartar formation. It is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless liquid that contains Biotrate technology to break through bacterial biofilm in the mouth. Vetradent also eliminates bad breath and maintains the dental pH balance. Use Vetradent Water Additive to fresh water, or Vetradent Spray or Wipes for the teeth and gumline.
OraVet Dental Chews eliminate bad breath and prevent bacteria from attaching to the teeth using your dog’s chewing action. These chews are highly palatable, easily dissolved, and safely digested.
CET Enzymatic Toothpaste controls plaque, tartar, and freshens breath. Available in malt, poultry, and seafood flavors. Makes a great addition to a home dental care for your dog or cat.
While February is National Pet Dental Health Month, dental health should be a daily ritual for dog and cat owners all year long. How do you take care of your pet’s teeth? Leave us a comment below!
National Pet Dental Health Month may be coming to a close, but maintaining good oral hygiene for your dog or cat should continue all year long. Here at VetRxDirect, we carry a large variety of dental health solutions, but we would like to mention a couple new and noteworthy dental products that will help keep those mouths clean, fresh, and healthy.
Vetradent Dental Spray is applied directly to the teeth and gum line to reduce plaque and tartar in the mouth. This odorless, tasteless, and colorless liquid contains Biotrate technology to break through biofilm in the mouth, and reduce bacteria formation. Vetradent contains zinc chloride to help reduce bad breath and citric acid to maintain the pH balance in the mouth.
Vetradent Water Additive is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless liquid is added into your pet’s drinking water to control plaque and tartar. It works to break through biofilm in the mouth and reduce the bacteria responsible for plaque and tartar formation. Vetradent helps reduce bad breath and maintains the pH balance in the mouth.
Petsmile Toothpaste it is specifically designed to remove plaque and biofilm on the teeth. It contains Calprox, a mineral and calcium peroxide formula that works quickly to clean and freshen the mouth. It helps reduce bad breath and prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar which can lead to disease. Petsmile has also been awarded the seal of acceptance by the Veterinary Oral Health Council for plaque inhibition.
Petsmile Applicator Swabs make it easier for you to apply toothpaste to your pet’s teeth and gums. They are reusable with a soft tip and a long wand for hard to reach areas in the mouth.
Has your dentist ever told you to brush or floss your teeth more? We may need reminders here and there, but keep in mind that dental hygiene is also a very important part of your dog or cat’s overall health and wellness. Dental problems can also be the source of other health conditions. Periodontal disease is the most common oral condition in dogs and cats. It starts with plaque, a sticky film made of bacteria that covers the surface of the teeth. When plaque is not removed and allowed to build up, it hardens into tartar, which can cause gum inflammation and prompt infections. Poor oral hygiene is more than bad breath, it can lead to painful mouth conditions and make eating difficult. February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so teeth are the topic, and we have some helpful tips to keep your dog and cat healthy and happy.
Get In Charge of Dental Health
The first step is to talk to your veterinarian. During an exam, they will look at your pet’s teeth and gums for signs of plaque or tartar buildup, as well as detect problems. They will recommend a regimen based on your pet’s age, general health, and the condition of their teeth. X-rays and regular teeth cleanings are a common treatment plan for dental wellness and diseases. Learn more.
Start an at-home regimen as early as you can. If you have a puppy or kitten, get them accustomed to having gum massages. When their adult teeth come in, they’ll be more accepting of regular tooth brushing -One of the best ways to remove plaque.
Choose the best pet oral hygiene products. Talk to your veterinarian about which dental health supplies, chews, and supplements are right for your pet and how to use them. These can help you maintain your pets dental health at home between visits or cleaning, and may help prevent the formation of oral diseases.
Commit to your plan. Stay on schedule and follow through with the plans for the best long-term dental care.
Dental Health Care Products
VetRxDirect has a wide selection of dental care products for both dogs and cats. Check out these favorites:
Vetradent reduces bacteria in the mouth responsible for plaque and tartar formation. It is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless liquid that contains Biotrate technology to break through bacterial biofilm in the mouth. Vetradent also eliminates bad breath and maintains the dental pH balance. Use Vetradent Water Additive to fresh water, or Vetradent Spray directly on the teeth and gumline.
1-TDC, TetraDecanol Complex, is an esterified fatty acid oil that naturally supports healthy gum tissue and helps reduce the risk of periodontal disease in dogs and cats. It also works to support the health and function of your pet’s joints to keep them active and mobile.
Oratene dental care products contain a patented enzymatic system with antifungal and antibacterial properties. Use Oratene Drinking Water Additive for a brushless oral solution that removes plaque and reduces odor-causing bacteria. Antiseptic Oral Gel helps treat mouth infections. Brush with Oratene Toothpaste to eliminate plaque and bacteria. Breath Freshener soothes dry mouth, cleans, and refreshes.
DuoClenz chews keep your dog’s teeth clean and their breath fresh. They have a special enzyme coating and abrasive texture to make contact with the tooth surface while preventing plaque and tartar buildup. Each chew is made from cooked beef rawhide and has a tasty poultry flavor that dogs love.