National Pet Dental Health Month: How to Take Care of your Pet’s Teeth
February is National Pet Dental Health Month, which is a brilliant excuse to talk about something that often gets overlooked: your pet's oral health.
Studies show that around 80% of dogs over three years old have some degree of dental disease, and 50-90% of cats over four. That’s not a typo; that’s well over half of our pets! So, it’s about time we have a proper chat about our pet’s teeth and gums.
How does dental disease develop in our pets?
Every day, plaque (sticky bacterial film) forms on your pet's teeth. If it's not removed through brushing or chewing, it mineralises, and becomes tartar, at which point you can’t brush it off. Smaller dogs often have it tougher because their teeth are more crowded, giving plaque extra hiding spots. Dental disease builds up over time, so older pets often struggle most.
Once tartar sets in, it irritates the gums and causes inflamed tissue that is painful to our pets. Left unchecked, that bacteria can work its way into your pet's bloodstream and affect their heart, liver, and kidneys.
Heavy stuff, we know. It sounds serious because it is. But here's the good bit: most of this is preventable with a bit of regular care.
Spotting the signs of dental disease
Some pets will let you know something's wrong, whilst others are excellent at hiding it. Here's what to watch for:
- Your pet's breath has gone from normal to noticeably grim.
- Their gums look red, puffy, or bleed when touched.
- You can see yellow or brown tartar building up along the gumline.
- They're drooling more than usual, pawing at their mouth, or rubbing their face against furniture.
- They're suddenly fussier about food.
- They favour one side of their mouth for chewing.
- They've developed a preference for softer foods they didn't care about before.
If you're seeing any of these, it's worth booking a vet check. Dental problems don’t just sort themselves out, and early action usually means less pain later.
How can I keep my pet’s teeth healthy?
You don't need to become a dental hygienist, by any means. You just need to build up a realistic home care routine and do it consistently.
Brushing, without the battle
Brushing is still the best thing you can do for pet teeth (just think about how much difference it makes to humans!), but it’s heaps easier if you start your dog or cat on this habit young. If they treat the toothbrush like an incoming missile, start small.
Get a pet toothbrush or a finger brush and pet toothpaste. Let them lick the toothpaste off your finger first so they know it’s good stuff (it’s normally chicken flavour!). Start by just touching their lips and gums for a few seconds and build up gradually to a quick brush on the outer surfaces of their teeth. Keep it short, stay calm, and reward them afterwards, so they develop more positive associations.
Once they're used to it, aim for a few times a week at minimum. Daily is ideal, but don’t beat yourself up if this proves difficult.
Never use human toothpaste. It’s not safe for our pets.
Natural Dog Chews
Chewing does more than keep your dog entertained. They give a gentle abrasion to the teeth that helps reduce plaque and tartar. It's not a replacement for brushing, but it's a terrific teammate.
If your dog loves a good gnaw, we’ve got options for all shapes, sizes, and tastes. Take our Chewroot: it’s a sustainable wood chew that's just what it says on the tin. Nothing added, nothing sneaky, and dogs happily work away at it for ages.
For the cheese-obsessed crowd (hello!), our Daisy Moo chews are handcrafted from cow's milk sourced from happy, pasture-fed cows, then smoked and hardened into a long-lasting, low-lactose treat that’s packed with protein and calcium.
Or there’s the product that started it all at Green & Wild’s; our deer antlers, shed naturally and completely unprocessed. They’re hypoallergenic, full of marrow, and the most durable of the bunch.
Whatever the chew, make sure you choose the right size for your dog, supervise, and take it away before it becomes small enough to swallow (pro tip: you can microwave the end of cheese chews to make a yummy puff nugget).
Water additives and dental diets
Some pet parents find success with a water additive as part of their dental care routine, or a dental diet designed to help reduce plaque. These can be helpful, especially if brushing is a non-starter, but they’re one of the pricier options, so it's worth chatting to your vet first to make sure it's appropriate for your pet's individual needs.
When your pet needs professional help
Even with brilliant home care, most pets will need professional dental cleaning at some point. During a vet dental check, they'll look for gum inflammation, tartar levels, loose or damaged teeth, and any sore spots or swelling.
If tartar is heavy, gums are inflamed, or your pet seems uncomfortable, your vet will recommend a clean so they can tackle it before it starts affecting their heart, kidneys, or overall quality of life.
Let’s keep our pets smiling…
If there's one thing to remember from Pet Dental Health Month, it's this: a little dental care done regularly beats a big problem later every time, especially when it comes to your pet’s wellbeing.
Start with one small habit, and build on that over time, to make it less stressful for both of you. And if something looks sore or smells off, get your vet involved.
How are you taking care of your pet’s oral health this month? Let us know by tagging us on a post over on our Facebook or Instagram!
Your pet's teeth matter. Not just for fresh breath, but for a longer, healthier, happier life. And that's something we can all get behind. 💚