While you’re considering that long list of potential New Year’s resolutions, think about setting one for your pet’s health. Why not resolve to brush your dog’s teeth every day in 2019? It may seem more ambitious to write this resolution down than to lose weight, travel more, or call your mom every Friday. But the truth is, brushing your dog’s teeth isn’t all that difficult, and creating a habit of healthy pet hygiene in 2019 could save your pet pain and your money. Here’s why.

Have you felt concerned about your cat's teeth because of her behavior? Have you noticed symptoms such as bleeding, drooling, or foul breath recently? If you're worried your cat has a cavity, think again. Feline cavities are very rare and an unlikely scenario for a domestic cat. What cats do frequently suffer from is a condition called tooth resorption.

Are you brushing your dog’s teeth daily? Weekly? Even occasionally? If you’re not committing to this vital part of your pet owner responsibilities, it’s nearly a guarantee that you and your dog will pay for it. Your dog could already be living with daily pain as a result of dental disease, and the longer you wait to schedule your dog’s dental exam and start taking care of their teeth, the more likely you are to end up with issues.

It wasn’t so long ago that dental care for dogs wasn’t the norm—in fact, pet dental exams and hygiene are relatively new on the veterinary scene. That’s potentially why pet owners are often unaware of the painful and devastating effects of tooth decay, gum disease, and periodontal disease on their dog’s health. Many dog and cat owners have no idea how prevalent dental disease. By the time they turn three years old, around 80% of dogs have dental disease.

Did you know that the most common health problem for dogs and cats is periodontal disease? Sadly, few pet owners are aware of the damage inconsistent dental care can do to their dog or cat’s health, meaning that only around 1% of owners brush their pet’s teeth. This leads to a whole host of issues related to dental problems, including periodontal disease, which shows up in around 80% of dogs and 70% of cats.

Just like humans, pets need regular and detailed dental care to stay in optimal health. When you receive that postcard in the mail from your dentist, you know it’s time to schedule your annual cleaning and exam. How do you know when it’s time to get your cat or dog’s teeth checked?

You may think your cat is good enough at keeping herself clean: after all, she spends a good portion of her day grooming, and you make sure to keep her fur in good shape. But have you considered the cleanliness and health of her teeth lately?

As a responsible pet owner, you’re rightly concerned about the health of your dog’s teeth. You likely brush every day (as recommended by pet dental health experts), you serve teeth-friendly food, and you get your dog’s grin checked by a vet regularly. But maybe every once in a while you look at your expenses and wonder: is all of this dental care worth the cost?

Cost can be an understandable barrier for proper pet dental care. Many pet owners wonder whether they're buying their vet a new car every time they come in for any dental work. Why, they ask, is it so expensive to take care of your dog's teeth?

There's a reason the saying "I'd rather have a root canal" carries a heavy emphasis. It's because everyone hates visiting the dentist—it probably means a sore jaw, a bit of pain, and a new toothbrush on the way out the door.

And yet we all go to the dentist. Why? Because it's a heck of a lot better than living with the pain that cavities and other dental issues cause.