Pet Dental Health Month: Supporting Better Oral Health All Year Round
What is Pet Dental Health Month?
Pet Dental Health Month was founded by the American Veterinary Dental Society in 1993 with the intention of prioritising professional dental care for feline and canine patients. What began as a national awareness initiative has since grown into a globally recognised campaign, highlighting the importance of preventative dental care and encouraging regular veterinary check-ups.
Today, Pet Dental Health Month serves as a reminder that oral health is not cosmetic it is fundamental to overall wellbeing.
Why Dental Health Deserves Greater Attention
Dental disease remains one of the most common health conditions in dogs. According to UK Pet Food, 85% of dogs have dental problems by the age of just three years.
Without preventative care, plaque can harden into tartar, leading to gum inflammation, periodontal disease, infection and tooth loss. In more advanced cases, oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs.
The challenge is that dental disease often progresses silently. By the time visible symptoms appear, the condition may already be advanced. Prevention not reaction is critical.
Practical Ways to Support Dental Health Year-Round
While professional veterinary care plays a central role, everyday management is equally important. Effective dental routines typically include:
- Regular veterinary dental checks
- Tooth brushing where appropriate
- Diets formulated with oral health in mind
- Safe chewing behaviours that help mechanically reduce plaque
Chewing is a natural, instinctive behaviour for dogs. When managed responsibly, it can support dental hygiene by helping to reduce plaque build-up while also providing enrichment and mental stimulation.
The Role of Long-Lasting Chews
The structure, texture and durability of a chew are key to its functional benefit. Products designed to encourage prolonged chewing can support oral hygiene through mechanical abrasion and gum stimulation.
Buitelaar Group supplies a range of natural raw materials used by manufacturers, processors and pet food specialists to develop long-lasting chew products, including:
- Beef pizzles, valued for their durability and extended chew time, helping to reduce plaque
- Venison and Wild Boar Skins, offering firm resistance that supports gum stimulation
- Ears (beef, pig, goat and lamb), valued for their firmness and long-lasting engagement
- Beef trachea, recognised for its crunchy structure that encourages chewing
Through responsible sourcing and consistent specification control, we help ensure these ingredients meet the standards required for safe and effective product development.
Transparency, Responsible Sourcing & Veterinary Alignment
As awareness around pet health grows, scrutiny from both consumers and regulators continues to increase. Functionality must be supported by responsible sourcing, traceability and sound nutritional understanding.
At Buitelaar Group, our focus is on providing high quality raw materials within a transparent and dependable supply chain. We work with manufacturers, processors and pet sector partners to support product development aligned with veterinary guidance, regulatory frameworks and evolving consumer expectations. Trust is built on clarity, from source through to finished product.
Looking Beyond Pet Dental Health Month
Awareness campaigns play an important role in education, but dental health should remain a priority throughout the year. Through preventative care, informed product development and responsible sourcing, the industry can contribute meaningfully to improved long-term outcomes for pets.
Pet Dental Health Month is a timely reminder that consistent, practical action at every stage of the supply chain makes a lasting difference.
Find out more about Buitelaar Pet Food here.
