National Pet Dental Health Month: What Pet Parents Need to Know

February is National Pet Dental Health Month, a reminder that dental care isn’t just about fresh breath—it’s a critical part of your pet’s overall health and wellbeing.

For pet parents, dental health can feel overwhelming or easy to overlook. For pet pros, this month is a powerful opportunity to educate, build trust, and support better at-home care by recommending products you genuinely believe in.

Here’s what every pet parent should know—and how pet professionals can help make dental care simpler, safer, and more effective.

Why Pet Dental Health Matters More Than You Think

Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs and cats. Without proper care, plaque and tartar buildup can lead to:

• Gum inflammation and infection

• Pain and difficulty eating

• Tooth loss

• Bacteria entering the bloodstream, potentially impacting the heart, liver, and kidneys

The good news? Consistent at-home dental care can dramatically reduce these risks—and it doesn’t have to be complicated.

A strong dental routine usually includes a combination of:

• Mechanical cleaning (chewing, brushing, or flossing-style toys)

• Oral hygiene support (additives, powders, and supplements)

• Consistency over perfection

Not every pet tolerates brushing—and that’s okay. Today’s dental products offer multiple ways to support oral health, making it easier for pet parents to stay consistent.

Dental Care Solutions Pet Parents Can Use at Home

A complete dental routine works best when it combines mechanical cleaning with oral hygiene support. This layered approach helps reduce plaque, support gum health, and make dental care easier to maintain at home—especially for pets that resist brushing.

Below are trusted dental care solutions pet pros can recommend to help pet parents stay consistent and confident.

Mechanical Cleaning: Chewing, Brushing & Flossing Support

Mechanical action plays a key role in removing plaque and preventing buildup along the teeth and gumline. These options support dental health through safe chewing, brushing, and interactive play.

EverChew: SuperChew
Chewing is one of the most effective natural ways to support dental health. This durable bully stick holder is designed for powerful chewers and helps safely hold all-natural bully sticks, encouraging extended chewing that can help reduce plaque while keeping pets engaged.

Paw Ready: Combo BrushMate Pet Toothbrush & BiteBlock
For pet parents working on brushing at home, this tool helps make the process safer and more manageable. Its protective design allows access to the mouth while reducing finger exposure, making brushing less stressful for both pets and their humans.

Redbarn: Chew-A-Bulls Dental Dog Treat Brush
Designed with ridges and grooves that reach between teeth and along the gumline, this dental chew helps gently scrape away plaque while massaging gums—supporting daily dental maintenance through a rewarding chew.

ChewMate: Floss and Treat Toothbrush Toy
This interactive toy combines enrichment with oral care. Its flossing-style texture helps clean teeth and support gum health during play, while the built-in treat dispenser keeps pets engaged and motivated.

Oral Hygiene Support: Additives, Powders & Sprays

For pets that don’t tolerate brushing—or for pet parents looking to simplify routines—oral hygiene supplements provide powerful support with minimal effort.

TropiClean: Fresh Breath Oral Care Water Additive
An easy, no-brush solution that supports fresher breath and ongoing plaque and tartar defense. Simply added to a pet’s water bowl, this VOHC-accepted additive helps maintain oral health daily using naturally derived ingredients.

TEEF for Life: Prebiotic Dental Powder
This tasteless, odorless prebiotic dental powder supports oral health through drinking water or food. By helping balance the oral microbiome, it works to reduce plaque, tartar, and bad breath—making daily dental care easy to stick with.

We Love Doodles: Dental Spray
A simple spray-and-go option for fresh breath and gum support. This dental spray helps fight tartar and support gum health without brushing, making it a great addition to busy households.

Helping Pet Parents Stay Consistent

Dental care doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. When pet parents understand their options—and have access to products recommended by professionals they trust—they’re far more likely to stay consistent.

For pet pros, National Pet Dental Health Month is a valuable opportunity to:

• Educate clients on the importance of dental care

• Recommend solutions that fit different pets and lifestyles

• Make trusted products easy to shop through your storefront

Supporting better dental habits helps pets feel better, strengthens client relationships, and reinforces your role as a trusted partner in long-term pet care—well beyond the month of February.