It’s safe to say the wide majority of people regularly brush their teeth, but far fewer do the same for their pet. By the age of three, more than 80 percent of dogs show signs of gum disease, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS). Celebrated every February, Pet Dental Health Month is meant to change this sobering statistic by teaching pet owners proper dental hygiene is just as important for their pet as it is for them.

Keeping your pet’s teeth healthy is an easy way to add years to their life. Fortunately, we can reduce or even prevent dental disease with regular brushing and use of all natural products like the Vet’s Best Dental Gel. Here are a few easy tips on brushing your dog’s teeth.

Step 1 – Choose the right time and place

Timing is everything. Find a quite, convenient time when you and your dog are both relaxed.

Step 2 – Get your dog use to the process

For the first few sessions, don’t even use a toothbrush. Start out by using your finger with a small dab of toothpaste and let your dog taste it. Try starting with the all-natural Dental Gel from Vet’s Best because not only does it taste great to pets, but it also strengthens tooth enamel while supporting healthy gums.

Step 3 – Bring in the toothbrush

The main thing here is to get your dog accustomed to the feel of the brush, so just place a small amount of toothpaste on it and brush one or two teeth at a time in a slow, circular motion.

Step 4 – Showtime

Over the next few days, start to increase the number of teeth brushed. Eventually, you want to be able to brush the very back teeth, where plaque and tarter have a greater tendency to build up.

In addition to regular brushing, the AVDS recommends the following guidelines to prevent serious health problems caused by poor oral care:

Take your pet to the veterinarian for a dental exam. Your pet should have a thorough physical exam, including examination of the teeth and gums, at least once a year. If plaque and tartar buildup is evident, your veterinarian may recommend a dental cleaning.

Monitor your pet’s oral health by scheduling checkups with your veterinarian. Regular dental cleanings may be recommended.

By following these easy steps and making dental care a priority not just during February, but all year long pet owners can help prevent dental problems, ensuring a lifetime of healthy smiles for their pets. For more information on pet dental care and National Pet Dental Health Month, visit www.petdental.com.

Every year when the temperature dips, it’s important to take a few precautions to ensure that your pets are safe. Just like you or me, animals are strongly affected by winter, so now is the time to start thinking about how you can keep them comfortable and healthy during these next few months.

It’s a good idea to take your pet to your veterinarian. This way, you can make sure they aren’t going to have any problems that could become worse as temperatures drop. This is really important for older pets, as they often have conditions like Arthritis that makes their joint’s very sensitive and tender in colder months. To help ease their discomfort, you can give them a supplement like Vet’s Best’s Advanced Hip + Joint Formula, which is a great all-natural alternative to prescription drugs.

The best way to prevent pet problems in the winter is to keep your pet indoors as much as possible. If you need to take them outside, keep them on a leash and close to you at all times. This way you can make sure that they aren’t going to get into anything dangerous, like anti-freeze or rock salt. Also, don’t let them wander too close to frozen ponds or lakes. The ice is usually thin this time of year and the risk of your pet falling through just isn’t worth it.

For more tips on keeping your pet safe and comfy this winter, become a fan of Vet’s Best at www.facebook.com/vetsbest

The catwalk is going to earn its name come January 14th! That’s when it’s National Dress Up Your Pet Day! Yup, a day solely devoted to dressing your pet in fancy duds and letting them strut their stuff. So dig in your closet and find something fun for your pet to wear!

Of course, celebrating this day depends on your pet. Some want nothing to do with it, while others don’t mind sporting the latest in animal attire. This is a chance for your pet’s personality to shine, so have fun with it! Not only does a new outfit make your pet look great, but it will also help keep them warm, which is important this time of year.

Don’t know what to deck your pet out in this year? Well no worries, here are a few fashion forward pets that will help get those creative juices flowing!