Is there a Hallmark card for Pet Dental Health Month?

According to veterinarian Marty Becker, an aspect of caring for dogs and cats that is the one of the most overlooked is dental health.

See the article and video from ABC News here. The segment was promoting February as National Pet Dental Health Month.

Becker said bad dental health can cause serious health problems and can shorten the pet's life.

Fortunately, it's easy to change your pet's dental destiny. Veterinarians now recommend brushing your pet's teeth daily to prevent problems. It's not difficult to teach pets to accept this daily regimen, as long as you start slowly and use positive reinforcement as your pet learns to accept first your handling of his mouth, the introduction of brush and paste and finally a full daily brushing.

Becker also recommends feeding a dental diet along with a paste called OraVet Plaque Prevention Gel that is rubbed on the pet's teeth once a week.

But brushing isn't enough: Your pet also needs your veterinarian's help to keep teeth and gums healthy. That means a complete oral examination on at least an annual basis -- twice a year is even better -- which may include dental X-rays to locate problems just as it does with your own dentist.

Becker said to be wary of some groomers who offer "anesthesia-free" teeth cleaning. He calls them cosmetic procedures that may make your pet's dental problem worse in the long run.

Watch the video. Becker demonstrates how to brush a dog's teeth on a real dog that belongs to guest anchor Jeremy Hubbard.

The whole tooth

According to the Animal Friends Insurance Web site, a new pet health-care product could help protect pets' teeth.

Inventor Dr. Frank Driscoll was working on something meant for the military who can't always brush their teeth with fresh water.

The product he created could remove bacteria and plaque that lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

The Web site said the pet-teeth dental gel is going to be introduced in the U.S. in April by Petrodex.

Brush off for pets' dental health

Now that Kate's pearly whites are, indeed, pearly white I am vowing to keep them that way.

An article on Huffington Post could help me in my quest.

Our pets beg for a lot of things, but rarely do we hear them bark or purr for us to brush their teeth. Oral hygiene is just important with our pets as it is with ourselves and without proper dental care, by age three 70-80 percent of cats and dogs will develop periodontal disease, a serious oral illness that can cut a pet's life-span.

Some of the hints:

• If your pet isn't used to brushing, start with your fingers or something like medical gauze.

• Purchase a pet-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste. Never use "human" toothpaste.

• If your dog won't open up there are safe, effective, non-bristled options out there for those stubborn dogs and cats.

The article also says once a week is fine for brushing your pet's teeth, though two to three times would be ideal.

So as soon as the collar comes off next Tuesday, we'll get started.

Healthy Kate

We went to the vet first thing this morning for Kate's annual checkup and rabies shot.

The old gal is in good shape, so the vet said.

And since Kate is over 13 years old, the vet recommended that we skip the teeth cleaning.

That means I can spend my economic stimulus check on something else — like gas for the car and my credit cards.

Nevertheless, I went to the pet store and bought a doggie toothbrush and toothpaste.

We already had one session, which Kate tolerated.

I'll be better about it this time.

Really.

Ferret tooth care

My e-mail in box just overflows with interesting stuff.

Here's an Web site that provides tips on taking care of your ferret's teeth.

I am sure there is nothing worse than ferret breath.

Just kidding, all you ferret lovers out there.

Vet visit — almost one week later

So the new vet said brush Kate's teeth and coat every day.

That was last Friday.

It's been six days and I've brushed the pooch's teeth four times and brushed her three times. I use one of those finger brushes with the chicken-favored toothpaste (or so I'm told; Kate seems to like it) on the teeth and a vacuum-brush attachment on the fur.

Hey, I'm doing much better than before, right?

The teeth look a little better, but as far as the shedding?

All I can say is that I vacuumed the entire condo on Saturday and by today there were tumblin' tumble weeds making their way through the place.

I don't know if Kate is still blowing her winter coat or the brushing is stirring things up.

Let's just call it a grand experiment.