February is Pet Dental Health Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to talk about one of the most common — and most overlooked — health issues in dogs and cats: dental disease.
Here’s the surprising truth: by age three, nearly 80% of dogs and cats show signs of dental disease. And most pet parents have no idea it’s happening.
Why? Because dental disease is often silent.
Dental Disease: A Hidden Health Crisis, Not a Cosmetic Issue
Many people think dental care for pets is about fresh breath or white teeth. In reality, pet dental disease is a progressive medical condition that affects far more than the mouth.
Plaque and tartar buildup lead to gingivitis, infection, and eventually periodontal disease, which damages the gums, teeth, and jawbone. Even more concerning, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and impact vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.
This isn’t cosmetic.
This is healthcare.
The High Blood Pressure of Pet Health
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A helpful comparison: dental disease in pets is like high blood pressure in humans.
- Extremely common
- Often painless in early stages
- Easy to miss without regular exams
- Dangerous when ignored
Just because your pet is eating, playing, and acting “normal” doesn’t mean everything is fine. Pets are incredibly good at hiding discomfort — especially chronic pain.
Common Signs of Dog & Cat Dental Disease (That Often Go Overlooked)
Because dental disease develops slowly, the signs can be subtle. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Bad breath (not “normal,” despite the myth)
- Red or bleeding gums
- Yellow or brown buildup on teeth
- Dropping food or chewing on one side
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Head shyness
- Decreased energy or behavior changes
Cats, in particular, may show very few obvious signs, which is why routine veterinary exams are so important.
Why February’s Pet Dental Awareness Month Matters
Pet Dental Health Awareness Month exists for one simple reason: too many pets are living with preventable pain.
Routine dental exams and professional cleanings:
- Reduce chronic inflammation
- Help prevent tooth loss
- Lower the risk of systemic disease
- Improve comfort, appetite, and quality of life
Dental care is one of the most effective ways to extend not just your pet’s lifespan — but their healthspan.
What a Professional Pet Dental Cleaning Really Does
A professional dental cleaning goes far beyond what brushing or dental chews can accomplish.
Veterinary dental care includes:
- A full oral exam
- Cleaning above and below the gumline
- Dental X-rays (when indicated)
- Polishing to slow future plaque buildup
- Addressing infected or damaged teeth if needed
This level of care allows veterinarians to detect issues before they become painful emergencies.
Proactive Care Is What We Believe In
At Healthy Pets of Ohio, dental health is a key part of preventive medicine — not an afterthought.
We believe:
- Pain shouldn’t be the first sign of a problem
- Prevention is always better than crisis care
- Oral health is whole-body health
That’s why our veterinary teams focus on education, early detection, and compassionate care at every stage of your pet’s life.
February Dental Cleaning Special
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To support Pet Dental Health Awareness Month, all Healthy Pets of Ohio locations are offering a dental cleaning special in February.
📞 Call your local Healthy Pets of Ohio location and ask about our February dental special.
It’s a great opportunity to protect your pet’s health — and potentially save on essential preventive care.
Because the most dangerous health problems aren’t always the ones you can see.