February is National Pet Dental Health Month: Petland Encourages Pet Owners to Prioritize Healthy Smiles

February is National Pet Dental Health Month, and Petland reminds pet owners that a healthy mouth is about much more than fresh breath. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and other veterinary experts, disease of the teeth and/or gums (periodontal disease) is among the most common health issues in pets, with studies showing that by age two, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show some signs of dental disease.

“Dental disease is incredibly common, but it’s also very preventable,” said Petland Veterinarian and Medical Director at Animal Health Care Center of Chillicothe, Dr. Sarah Hettinger. “Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum inflammation, infection, pain, and even tooth loss if left untreated. The good news is that simple steps at home, combined with regular veterinary care, can make a huge difference in a pet’s dental health.”

Veterinarians agree that regular toothbrushing is the gold standard for at-home dental care, with daily brushing being ideal. Pet owners should schedule regular veterinary wellness exams that include dental evaluations and information about building an effective at-home dental routine. Human toothcare products should never be used when caring for a pet, as they can be harmful.

Look for pet products that have earned the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance. This indicates the product meets VOHC standards for helping control plaque and/or tartar. To view a list of VOHC-accepted products for dogs and cats, visit vohc.org/accepted-products.

Pet owners can find a variety of VOHC-accepted animal-safe dental care essentials at their nearby Petland location, where pet counselors can help choose products tailored to their pet’s age, size and needs. These include pet-safe toothbrushes and toothpaste, and dental chews designed to assist in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

To learn more about the importance of your dog’s dental health click HERE or visit petland.com and search “dental.”

Media contact: Maria Smith, Communications Director, maria.smith@petlandinc.com, 740-775-2464.

Petland, Inc. is a specialty pet retail franchise operation with nearly 250 global locations. For almost 60 years, Petland pet counselors have been dedicated to matching the right pet with the right customer and meeting the needs of both. To its customers who already have pets, Petland is dedicated to enhancing their knowledge and enjoyment of the human-animal bond. Founded in 1967, Petland is headquartered in south central Ohio. For more information on Petland, visit www.petland.com.