Have you ever stopped to think about your pet's dental health? If you have not, you probably should start.

Dental health is such an important part of your pet's overall health. The lack of attention on a dog's teeth can lead to many serious issues and the most common being periodontal disease which can cause serious health issues for your furry friend if left untreated. The periodontal disease can turn into gingivitis which can cause bone loss, gum recession and root exposure.

Some other side effects of poor gum health in dogs and cats include pyorrhea (inflammation in the gums and the tooth sockets which can cause teeth to loose and create puss around the tooth), plaque, diabetes and oral cancers. Some signs of poor dental health in pets include bad breath, yellowish-brown crust of plaque on teeth near gum line, red and swollen gums, pain or bleeding when your pet eats or when the mouth or gums are touched, and decreased appetite or difficulty eating.

Not only can lack of dental care lead to serious health issues and pain for your pet, but it can also be costly. If your pet ends up developing any negative side effects from poor dental care, the vet bill will mostly include teeth extractions which can be expensive. There are many ways to prevent any type of gum disease in your pet by taking preventative steps today and what better time to start your pet's dental care than February which is actually pet dental month.

Luckily for all pet owners out there, taking preventative measures is pretty easy. The best way to take care of your pet's teeth is actually just brushing them. It is recommended to brush the pet's teeth at least three times a week. Other products you can use to take care of your pet's teeth include plaque off, dog toothpaste, finger brushes and greenies. Luckily for all pet owners in the Tehachapi area, Canine Creek has all the supplies pet owners need to make sure their furry friends are as healthy as can be. Just let an associate know and we will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

Canine Creek is located at 798 Tucker Rd., Ste. 5, Tehachapi. Feel free to call the store with any questions you may have at (661) 822-0307.