{"id":572,"date":"2024-11-11T11:40:48","date_gmt":"2024-11-11T16:40:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.truecareveterinaryhospital.com\/blog\/?p=572"},"modified":"2024-11-11T11:40:53","modified_gmt":"2024-11-11T16:40:53","slug":"pet-dental-care-importance-of-maintaining-oral-health-during-cold-months","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.truecareveterinaryhospital.com\/blog\/pet-dental-care-importance-of-maintaining-oral-health-during-cold-months\/","title":{"rendered":"Pet Dental Care: Importance of Maintaining Oral Health During Cold Months"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"Winter<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

As the cold weather settles in, it\u2019s easy to focus on keeping your pets warm and comfortable inside. But there’s something many of us overlook during these chillier months, and it\u2019s pet dental care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just like in humans, your pet\u2019s oral health contributes to his overall well-being, and the colder months can mean an increase in dental health issues. The team at True Care Veterinary Hospital<\/a> wants to show you why it’s so important to maintain your pet\u2019s dental health in the winter months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

1. Cold Weather’s Impact on Oral Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the cold months, your pet’s body works harder to stay warm, which can impact her immune system. If your pet is already dealing with things like plaque, tartar, or gum disease, a weakened immune system can make these problems worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And unfortunately, bacterial infections in the mouth can easily spread to other parts of the body\u2014including the heart<\/a>, kidneys, and other organs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keeping your pet’s teeth brushed and clean goes a long way toward avoiding these cold-weather dental issues. We know, we know, brushing your pet\u2019s teeth isn\u2019t exactly pleasant for either of you. But neither is dealing with all the complications of gum disease! Use a meat-flavored, pet-friendly toothpaste to make the task tastier for your pet\u2014and easier for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Dry Air and Oral Hygiene<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With cold weather comes lots of heater use, whether you\u2019ve got central heating, a wood-burning stove, or space heaters. As important as heat is, it can make the air in your home so dry that your skin cracks. Your pet\u2019s skin and teeth are just as susceptible to this wear and tear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dry air can also lead to dehydration\u2014and a dry mouth for your pet. A dry mouth means less saliva. Less saliva means there’s less good, slimy stuff to wash away food particles and bacteria from your pet’s mouth. And this increases the risk<\/a> of plaque buildup and gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s a lot of dominos, we know. The good news is there\u2019s a simple way to avoid these problems: <\/p>\n\n\n\n