Pets & Dental Care: Why You Shouldn't Skip It

Dental care is one of the most important (and most overlooked) parts of keeping our pets healthy, happy and pain-free. Looking after your pet’s teeth isn’t just about avoiding stinky breath, it’s about protecting their overall health and comfort.

Does your dog’s breath make you want to hold your nose? You’re not alone! Over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by the age of three (American Veterinary Dental College, 2023). Here’s why skipping it can be a big mistake and how to keep those pearly whites sparkling with a little help from Petz Park.

Why Dental Care Matters in Pets

Our pets can’t tell us when their mouth hurts, but dental issues can cause a lot of pain and lead to bigger health problems. Here’s what happens if dental care gets overlooked:

Bad breath (halitosis): Not just smelly and unpleasant, but often a sign of disease.
Plaque hardens: When the plaque is left for too long, it hardens, turning it into calculus which is only able to be removed by professional dental cleaning.
Gum pain: As the teeth get more diseased, so do the gums, causing gingivitis and sometimes gum recession if left for too long.
Tooth loss: A build up of calculus on the teeth can lead to tooth & gum degradation, which can lead to loose and diseased teeth.
Infections: Bacteria from the mouth can travel to the heart, kidneys and liver and cause more problems than just in the mouth! (VCA Animal Hospitals)

Signs Your Pet May Have Dental Issues

Worried your dog or cat might already have some dental discomfort? Keep an eye out for these red flags:

Bad breath that doesn’t go away
Yellow or brown buildup on teeth
Red, swollen gums
Drooling or pawing at the mouth
Dropping food, struggling to chew or general disinterest in food

If you notice these, a vet check is always the best next step (RSPCA Knowledgebase).

How to Care for Your Pet’s Teeth at Home

You don’t need to be a vet to help your pet’s smile stay healthy! Here are some easy ways to make dental care part of your daily routine:

Brushing Their Teeth

Yes, it’s possible! Using pet-safe toothpaste and a soft brush, aim for a few times a week. Even short sessions make a difference. Be sure to use pet-safe toothbrushes and toothpaste or other gels, as human products aren’t the right fit for our little ones! (WSAVA Dental Guidelines)

Dental Chews & Toys

Chewing helps scrape away plaque and keeps jaws busy. Just make sure toys are safe and size-appropriate. There are lots of options out there!

Diet Matters

Choosing a suitable kibble (hard dry food) instead of solely wet food is a great start, as they use their natural toughness to massage the gums and teeth and allow tartar to break down. You can find many different types of kibble that may suit your needs!

Supplements for Support

Sometimes brushing isn’t realistic (especially if your cat thinks the toothbrush is out to get them). This is where supplements can step in as your secret weapon.

Petz Park’s Dental Supplements

For Dogs: Our Dental Powder for Dogs is designed to break down plaque and tartar while freshening breath. Just sprinkle it on their food, no battles required!
For Cats: Cats need their own special formula and Petz Park delivers. Our Dental Powder for Cats supports gum health, tackles bad breath and is just as easy to use.

Both are super easy to use with the powder formula, making it a breeze to sprinkle over your pet’s food, mix it in or add it in your own way to another treat!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, pet parents sometimes slip up. Here are a few things to steer clear of:

Using human toothpaste (toxic to pets!)
Only acting once problems appear
Skipping annual vet dental check-ups

The Bottom Line

Dental health is whole-body health. A clean mouth doesn’t just mean fresher & better kisses, it means less pain, fewer infections and a happier, healthier life for your pet. With simple at-home care, the right tools and a little help from Petz Park’s Dental Powders, you can keep your pet’s smile shining bright for years to come!