Don’t turn your nose to your pet’s bad breath! That odor might signify a serious health risk. Dental health is a critical part of your pet’s overall health, and dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems.

That’s why the AVMA sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month every February. Take part by learning more about how you can improve the dental (and overall) health of your pets.

Watch

Home dental care can go a long way toward helping protect your pet against dental disease and related problems. Brush up on home dental care for pets in this video, including how to make your dog or cat comfortable with tooth brushing as a regular routine.

Our pets have different needs than we do when it comes to dental procedures. Here’s what to expect when you bring your pet to the veterinarian’s office for a dental cleaning.

Share

Show us your pets’ pearly whites! Snap some photos of your pets’ beautiful, and watch our Facebook page, where we’ll be asking you to share those pictures with us and each other. You also can tweet or Instagram your photos with the hashtag #PetDental. Follow the hashtag to see snapshots of other pet smiles as well as oral health tips from the AVMA all month long.

Read

Learn more about pet dental health, including how to take care of your pet’s teeth year-round, and why anesthesia is important.