Pet Dental Health Month

Categories:: Animal
Tags:: Cat Dog Pet Health
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every February
Holiday emoji:: 🦷

Pet Dental Health Month, observed every February, reminds pet owners of the critical need for oral care for their furry companions. Prioritizing dental health can significantly prevent future oral problems. Schedule a vet check-up, explore dental products, and learn preventative measures to ensure your pet’s well-being.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate
Related

Expected Pet Dental Health Month Deals

Throughout February, Pet Dental Health Month sees a surge in awareness campaigns and special offers from veterinary clinics and pet supply retailers. Expect local vets like VCA Animal Hospitals and Banfield Pet Hospital to offer discounted dental exams or cleaning packages. Pet stores such as PetSmart and Petco will likely feature promotions on dental chews, toothbrushes, and specialized dental diets from brands like Hill’s Science Diet and Royal Canin. Online retailers like Chewy will also highlight deals on oral care products. Many smaller, independent clinics will host educational events or offer free dental consultations. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as February approaches.

Platform Guide for Pet Dental Health Month

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #PetDentalHealthMonth. Share educational posts on pet oral hygiene and common dental issues.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #PetDentalHealthMonth. Post adorable photos of pets with healthy smiles, or short videos demonstrating proper pet tooth brushing.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #PetDentalHealthMonth. Share quick facts, tips, and links to resources about maintaining your pet’s dental health.

Pet Dental Health Month Hero

Dr. Peter Emily

Dr. Peter Emily, often regarded as the 'Father of Veterinary Dentistry,' was a pioneer in establishing veterinary dentistry as a recognized specialty. He founded the American Veterinary Dental College and the Peter Emily Veterinary Dentistry Foundation, dedicating his career to advancing oral health for animals. His tireless efforts in education and clinical practice transformed how dental care is approached in veterinary medicine, improving the lives of countless pets.

History of Pet Dental Health Month

Pet health dates back thousands of years. In 9000 BC, the first veterinary practice of any kind appeared in the Middle East. It was used for sheepherders who treated the dogs who watched over their sheep. In Ancient Egypt, animal treatment became more common. Cats, fowl, and dogs were regular choices for pets and considered by many families to be members of the household.

In 1900 BC some sacred Hindu texts captured the first written account of the practice of veterinary medicine. In 1850, archaeologists found fragments of an ancient vet’s medical books covering diseases found in birds, cattle, fish, and dogs.

The last 100 years have seen a steady increase in the number of pets receiving regular medical care. There are now thousands of animal hospitals dedicated to the care of small house pets. It was also around this time that the first policy for pet insurance for a cat was written by a Swedish insurance company called Länsförsäkrings Alliance.

As our concern for pet’s health has increased, so has our awareness of the importance of their dental health. Pet dentists came up with Pet Dental Health Month to draw attention to some serious health issues pets may go through due to ill oral health. Most owners notice an oral issue when it’s too late, with the pet already in discomfort to the point where they have stopped eating. Studies have revealed an obvious correlation between the health of our pets and oral disease. Animals with clean teeth live longer lives.

Pet Dental Health Month timeline

2017

Smile for the Vets

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association Global Guidelines recommend pet dental care.

2003

Sealed with Approval

The use of VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) products outside the USA began in Europe and Japan.

1995

Love For My Dawg

A meeting is held with 35 veterinary dentists, dental scientists, and representatives from the American Dental Association to test the effectiveness of plaque retardants in dogs.

1989

Animal Love

A meeting was held during the Veterinary Dental Forum to discuss the need for the "endorsement" of veterinary dental products.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Pet Dental Health Month

Local veterinary clinics can offer discounted dental exams or cleaning packages throughout February, promoting preventative care. Pet grooming salons can highlight dental hygiene services like teeth brushing and offer educational materials to clients. Pet supply stores can host ‘dental health days’ with product demonstrations and expert advice, encouraging pet owners to invest in at-home care products. Partnering with local animal shelters for free dental screenings for adopted pets can also raise community awareness.

Pet Dental Health Month FAQs

When is Pet Dental Health Month?

In 2027, Pet Dental Health Month is observed throughout February, starting on Monday, February 1. It serves as an annual reminder to focus on preventative dental care for pets.

How many pets suffer from dental disease?

Estimates suggest that over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of three have some form of dental disease. This widespread issue highlights the critical need for regular veterinary dental care and at-home maintenance.

What is the economic impact of pet dental care?

The economic impact of pet dental care continues to grow as pet owners become more aware of its importance. This includes expenditures on professional cleanings, specialized diets, dental chews, and toothbrushes, contributing to a multi-billion dollar segment of the pet industry.

What are common signs of dental problems in pets?

Pet owners should look out for symptoms like persistent bad breath, visible tartar, bleeding gums, loose teeth, or changes in eating habits such as dropping food. These can all indicate underlying dental disease requiring veterinary attention.

Pet Dental Health Month Activities

Go to the vet
Taking your pet to a regular veterinary check-up will include an examination of your pets’ mouth. Book an appointment for your pet and work to see if they need any treatments.
Brush your pets’ teeth
Softly brush your pets’ teeth using an animal’s toothbrush and toothpaste formulated for pets. Toothpaste for humans has way too much fluoride content which can be toxic to animals, so seek a vet’s advice.
Extra measures
Support your pet’s dental hygiene by encouraging a balanced diet. An animal’s mouth, like ours, has its own self-cleaning system.

Bare your teeth
Bad breath, swollen gums, yellow-brown crusts of tartar along the gums, and bleeding are all warning signs to look for.
Pointing out the problem
Pets who may be developing gingivitis or other oral diseases may paw at their faces or mouths frequently.
Hunger pains
Malnutrition causes many dental issues.
Kick in the teeth
1% of pet owners brush their pet’s teeth.
Seal of approval
The best foods for pet’s oral health will say (VOHC) Veterinary Oral Health Care on the pack.

Why we love Pet Dental Health Month

We love our pets
We love our pets and they bring a huge amount of joy into our lives. Pet Dental Health Month is a chance for us to look out for their best interests.
A happy pet
Any oral discomfort will be causing our pets a lot of stress. By getting your pet checked out and fixing any problems with their teeth, you are making them much happier and improving their quality of life.
A reminder helps
Despite loving our pets, we often don’t recognize the signs that they are in discomfort with their teeth. Pet Dental Health Month is a great reminder to let the professionals check them out and make sure they are happy.