Most pet owners these days consider their pets to be part of the family. Consequently we want to take the best possible care of them so they can live long healthy lives as our companions. Unfortunately, some still miss the importance of good dental hygiene in pets - and this goes beyond the obvious problem of bad breath. The problem is that our pets cannot brush their own teeth. So what needs to be done to help?

Neglecting the dental hygiene of your pet does not make the problem go away. In fact, it could prove to be fatal in the long run. The problem starts with gum disease; bad breath and loss of teeth are common problems of neglecting dental hygiene. It can also lead to plaque buildup and consequently to the buildup of tartar. This then causes an accumulation of bacteria inside the mouth which, over time, will enter the bloodstream. Once that happens, it can attack the internal organs of the pet's body such as heart, kidneys and liver. If left untreated or unnoticed for too long it can result in organ failure and death. Hence, it becomes extremely important to address this problem before it becomes serious.

According to various estimates, almost 85 percent of pets develop dental disease by the time they reach the age of 3 years. Even though there is little physical difference between the teeth of a dog or a cat when compared to human teeth, pets are more vulnerable to forming dental problems.

Another underlying problem with pets is that unlike wild animals, they receive a diet that is only provided by their owners. They lack access to the diet which other animals find in nature. Consequently it is the responsibility of the owners to provide their pets with a diet that addresses the issue of dental decay.

The tartar in pet's teeth needs to be removed periodically and the surface of your pet's teeth needs to be disinfected. Professional cleaning does solve the problem. However, such treatment is usually expensive and another drawback is that such treatment usually requires anesthesia. The most effective and cheapest solution in this case is to get a good plaque remover for your pooch. With a good plaque remover for dogs you can address the issue of dental hygiene effectively. However, prevention is always better than a cure and it will always be better to use a good plaque remover for dogs before the tartar even starts developing. Plaque removers save you from having to brush their teeth daily and it also saves you money as it is cheaper than going to the vet for treatment.

So the best answer to your pet's oral problem is a good plaque remover: remember a healthy dog is a happy dog.