Did you know that dogs and cats need dental care as much as we do? Just as dental health is linked with overall health in humans, so is true with cats and dogs.

With Pet Dental Care Month approaching, it’s important that pet owners know that when proper care is not given to their gums and teeth, our pet’s body becomes vulnerable to disease and illness.

Conditions such as liver, kidney, heart inflammation and infection are many times triggered by poor dental hygiene and periodontal disease. That being said, dental disease is one of the most common forms of disease in pets.

More than half of all pets suffer from gum disease, calculus and dental problems. The numbers are slightly higher in dogs, where it is estimated that by age three, 80% of dogs develop symptoms of oral disease. In cats, 70% develop dental problems by their third year of life.

Signs of gum and dental disease in cats and dogs include dark yellow or brown substance build up on teeth, bleeding and swollen gums, and persistent bad breath.

Several factors contribute to the development of periodontal disease in pets. This includes the pet’s age and overall health condition, diet and chewing behavior, breed, tooth alignment and genetics. Siamese and Oriental short-haired cats for example are said to be more susceptible to dental disease.

Some pets may develop periodontal disease because of grooming habits since hair accumulation around teeth and gums may promote plaque and tartar buildup.

Your pet must have regular veterinary check ups. A veterinarian will be able to assess your pet’s overall dental health. If your pet develops periodontal disease, there are some harsh procedures and treatment that can be prescribed depending upon the severity of the condition. These include root planning and scaling, periodontal debridement, gingivectomy, and as a last resort, tooth extraction.

One way of avoiding these harsh procedures and treatments is to provide adequate nutrition, as it’s an essential part of your pet’s dental health.

There are many homemade foods cats and dogs enjoy such as lean meats, whole grains, and certain bones. Many commercial foods also offer customized products that are developed specifically for pets with underlying conditions such as diabetes, thyroid imbalance, and liver problems.

Another way is to brush your pet’s teeth. Your veterinarian will give you advice on how often to brush your pet’s teeth according to their specific needs. Some breeds of animals are said to be more prone to dental disease.

Another easy way to ensure your pet’s dental health is to use natural remedies proven to advance overall health and oral hygiene.
Our PetAlive Gumz-n-Teeth is a 100% safe and natural combination of herbal and homeopathic ingredients in an internal formula for preventing gingivitis (gum disease) and tooth decay as well as improving general dental health in pets.

Gumz-n-Teeth also works well with our PetAlive Immunity and Liver Support to not only treat and prevent gum disease and tooth decay, but to also prevent against abscess and oral infection.
For new puppies and kittens that need teething relief try PetAlive PupTeeth! This natural product helps relieve teething pain, reduces irritability and crying during teething. It also helps prevent indiscriminate chewing.