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Does Your Pet Have Healthy Smiles?

Got a pooch that loves to smooch?!  While we certainly love kisses from our pets, we hope those sloppy licks come with fresh breath.


Just like regular dental care is essential for humans, it's equally important for our pets. In fact, keeping up with dental care is one of the key aspects of pet health, second only to a balanced diet, to ensure our furry friends enjoy a longer, happier, and healthier life.

Unfortunately, dental care for pets often gets overlooked. It's something many pet parents tend to de-prioritize when it comes to their fur baby’s health. In fact, a recent Ipsos poll found that 73% of cat owners and 43% of dog owners never brush their pets' teeth, even though 76% of them agree that they should do so to keep their pets healthy. We brush our teeth, so we should brush their pearly whites, too.

Bad breath is NOT normal

Let’s face it - bad breath stinks. If you've noticed a bad smell coming from your pet's mouth, it’s easy to dismiss it as just “dog breath” or “cat breath.” But the truth is, chronic bad breath for pets is NOT normal.  While their mouths can have a strong odor from what they eat, a continual foul smell is cause for concern. If your pet’s breath has a noticeably unpleasant odor (beyond last night’s fish dinner), it could be an early sign of periodontal disease, which causes bleeding gums, bad breath, and, eventually, tooth loss.  

Pet breath mints or fresheners are NOT the answer to this problem.  If your furry pal is suffering from chronic bad breath, consult your veterinarian to ensure a more serious health problem isn’t looming. 

Watch for signs of dental disease

Poor oral hygiene isn’t just limited to bad breath and tooth loss.  Did you know that the mouth is one of the gateways to all other body systems?  Poor oral hygiene and poor oral health have repeatedly been linked to health problems in other organ systems.  When gum tissues become aggravated and inflamed, it increases the risk of plaque bacteria to enter the bloodstream and carry those nasty bacterial pathogens to other areas of the body. This can lead to other serious health issues in pets, such as undetected pain, diabetes, heart disease, immune system issues, liver and kidney issues, and even a broken jaw.  

To prevent dental disease, you’ll want to check your pet's teeth and gums on a regular basis. Now, this can be a bit challenging, especially if they're not used to having their mouths opened; but it’s important to routinely check to see if your pet’s gums are red, swollen, or bleeding. So have that extra special treat ready to reward your pet after doing an at-home dental check.

You should also keep an eye out for other signs of gum disease or dental problems.  Signs to watch for include:

  • yellow or dark colored plaque buildup on teeth

  • frequent bad breath

  • excessive drooling

  • sensitivity to hot or cold foods

  • difficulty eating or chewing

  • a change in eating habits, such as swallowing food whole

  • a lack of appetite entirely

  • loose or broken tooth

  • pawing at the mouth or face

  • weight loss

If you notice any of these signs, consult your veterinarian.  And speaking of veterinarians, don’t forget to schedule regular annual checkups so they can attend to any early warning signs of dental problems.

Dental disease can increase the risk of heart disease

When plaque buildup remains on the tooth surface and around the tooth and gumline, it triggers the animal's immune system, leading to an inflammatory response. The more severe the dental disease and inflammation, the higher the likelihood that bacteria could enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body.

The heart and liver are particularly vulnerable to inflammation caused by dental disease. There is evidence that periodontal disease is linked to cardiopulmonary diseases like endocarditis, according to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).

For pets suffering from both dental disease and heart disease, anesthesia may be too risky for a full dental cleaning. As a result, their teeth may remain uncomfortable, and the progression of oral disease could pose even greater risks to their heart health.

Oral health is not just for hoomans

The best way to prevent these issues is by sticking to a consistent oral hygiene routine, which may include a mix of treats, chews, toys, additives and regular cleaning of your dog’s teeth and gums. 



Dental Treats and Chews

If your furry friend is apprehensive about you sticking your hands/toothpaste inside his/her mouth (and you want to preserve all of your fingers), the best place to start might be incorporating dental-safe and effective treats and chews into your pet’s daily routine.  These can be a fun and stress-free way to promote dental health.  Look for treats and toys designed to clean teeth and massage gums.  These can be a good first step towards reducing plaque and tartar buildup. A few we recommend are:

Cleaning Those Pearly Whites

Dogs and cats will tolerate tooth brushing if it is not painful and is accompanied by a reward.  It’s important that you ease your fur baby into a teeth cleaning routine.  Start with short periods of massaging the gums solely with your finger and then after a few sessions, add a dab of pet-safe toothpaste to your finger for a few more sessions.  

As a next step, get a small piece of clean gauze that you can wrap around the tip of your finger, add some toothpaste, and gently rub your pet’s teeth and gums.  The gauze helps to scrape/trap plaque and food particles.  Eventually you can graduate to a soft-bristled toothbrush that is properly sized for your pet’s mouth.  Here are some suggestions for brushes and paste:

Clean Teeth Alternatives

At EarthWise Pet Hamburg, we understand that brushing your pet’s teeth may be difficult and inconvenient for you and your pet, which is why we offer a variety of options for dental care beyond the toothbrush and paste including:


Taking care of your pet's oral health is crucial for helping them live longer, happier lives. By staying on top of their teeth and gums, you can keep them healthy and prevent other problems. Understanding proper oral hygiene for pets ensures you're doing everything you can to support their well-being. 

Not sure what to try first? Let our pack help you find the right oral hygiene products for your furry pals! Give us a call or stop by the store to brush up on your options for your pet’s oral health.




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