Why Dental Health Deserves More Attention This February
February is National Pet Dental Health Month. Learn why dental care matters for your pet's overall health and how to spot early warning signs at home.
Dr. Iain Brunt, Veterinary AdvisorPublished: Feb 2, 2026
February is National Pet Dental Health Month, a reminder to pay attention to one of the most common yet often overlooked areas of pet health: dental care.
Dental disease affects the majority of adult dogs and cats, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. While signs such as bad breath or visible tartar are easy to notice, dental health is about much more than appearance. When oral disease is left unchecked, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and contribute to wider health issues, affecting organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys over time.
Why Dental Issues Are Easy to Miss at Home
Even the most attentive pet parents can struggle to spot dental problems early. There are several reasons for this.
Pets hide discomfort well: Animals are naturally good at masking pain. Subtle changes, such as eating more slowly or avoiding certain toys, are often mistaken for normal ageing rather than early signs of dental discomfort.
Problems often sit below the gum line: Much of dental disease develops out of sight. Teeth may look only mildly stained, while inflammation or infection progresses beneath the gums.
Checking thoroughly is difficult: Getting a clear look at the back teeth of an awake pet is challenging. Without specialist tools or training, it is easy for early changes to go unnoticed.
How Technology Can Support Early Awareness
Because dental changes can be hard to track day to day, having a simple way to monitor trends over time can be helpful. PerkyPet was designed to support pet parents between veterinary visits by making it easier to notice changes early.
Using smartphone images and AI supported analysis, PerkyPet helps highlight early signs such as gum redness or tartar build up. This allows pet parents to:
Track changes over time: A visual record makes it easier to see gradual changes that might otherwise be missed.
Have clearer conversations: Having images and flagged observations can help guide more focused discussions with a veterinarian when questions arise.
Stay prevention focused: Earlier awareness supports timely adjustments to home care and helps keep dental health on the radar before problems become more advanced.
Making Dental Health a Priority This February
National Pet Dental Health Month is a good opportunity to move beyond the idea that dental care only matters once a year. Small, consistent attention to oral health can make a meaningful difference to a pet's comfort and overall wellbeing.
By combining trusted educational resources with tools like PerkyPet AI, dental care can feel more manageable and less overwhelming. Early awareness is not just about teeth. It is about supporting your pet's health, comfort, and quality of life every day.
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