5 Ways to Make Pet Dental Health Easier on You

Hello, Patch Pet Lovers! 

Dental health month may be coming to end… but the need for brushing your pet's teeth never does!!! Introduce teeth brushing to your furry babies when you get them, and never stop!!! 

Tooth brushing with PET-SPECIFIC toothpaste will often times alleviate the need for dental cleanings if you brush daily and correctly! 

*** NEVER USE HUMAN TOOTHPASTE WHEN BRUSHING YOUR PET'S TEETH!!! MANY OF THE INGREDIENTS ARE HARMFUL IF DIGESTED BY YOUR DOG OR CAT, MOST PARTICULARLY:  XYLITOL.  FLUORIDE IS ALSO TOXIC TO PETS, WHICH MANY TOOTHPASTES CONTAIN.

I highly recommend Enzymatic toothpastes.  

Read Endless Pawsibilities' Professional Pet Care Services and Dog Training's blog on dental health made easier.  

5 Ways to Make Pet Dental Health Easier on You 

Published on February 6, 2014 by Tori Lattig 

Did you know that an 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age three?   That’s a pretty astounding fact for pet owners.  Keeping your pet’s teeth healthy isn’t always an easy job, but it’s an important part of being a pet parent.  Having your pet’s yearly dental exam is imperative to your pet’s health because dental disease can lead to systemic problems in your pet including heart, liver and kidney disease.  Home dental care is one of the best ways to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy.   We know this can be difficult, so we’ve put together some pointers that can help you maintain a healthy mouth for your pet.

Tartar build up on dog’s teeth    (See 1st Photo Attached)

 Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth

1. Choose a pet tooth paste your pet will love.  They come in many different flavors, so try a few and see which your pet likes the best.  Pet tooth pastes have enzymes in them that help to break down tartar.  These enzymes coupled with the manual removal of tartar when your brushing helps to keep their teeth healthy.
2. Introduce brushing slowly – You want to make your pet comfortable and not stress them out.  Start by rubbing your finger or piece of gauze on your pet’s teeth.  This will help get them use to you touching and handling their mouth and teeth.  Make sure you to make these sessions short and positive; giving them lots of verbal praise when they’re calm and relax as your doing this.
3. Introduce a pet tooth paste as human tooth paste can cause an upset stomach in your furry friend.  Let them lick the tooth paste off your finger and get used to the flavor.  Then you can start applying it to their teeth.
4. You can replace a soft toothbrush designed for pets or a baby tooth brush once they are receptive to your finger or you can continue with using gauze.  Again, do this in short sessions and remember to praise them.
5. Now you’re ready to start brushing their teeth with the tooth paste and brush/gauze.  Make sure your tooth brush or finger is at a 45 degree angle as you brush.  If your pet resists, just do one or two teeth in the beginning and build yourself up to brushing their whole mouth.  Keep with making this a positive experience and continue to praise them.
6. Focus on the side of the tooth that faces you.  Use circular motions as you brush each tooth.  Don’t worry about brushing the side of the tooth that faces inside your pets tongue.  Their tongue constantly in contact with this side of the teeth helps to keep tartar build up at bay.

Dental Rinses:  Rinses help fight plaque, maintain oral health, and freshen breath. They can be used with or without brushing and come in different size bottles.  Talk to your veterinarian to see which one is best for your pet.

Dental Chews and Toys:  As your pet chews on these specially designed dental chews and toys, they are helping to rub the tartar off their teeth, which mimics the action of brushing.

Dental Diets:  These specially formulated diets help scrub away plaque as your pet eats them.  They also help to reduce tartar, stain and build up and reduce bad breath.  Talk to your veterinarian about beginning a dental diet for your pet.

Dental Cleaning:  Ideally, pets should have a dental cleaning once a year or as recommended by your veterinarian.  During the procedure, your pet will be placed under anesthesia and their teeth will be thoroughly cleaned.  Dental x-rays may be taken to see if there is any infection or damage below the gum line, fractures or cavities in the teeth.  Extraction of diseased teeth may also be discussed with you and performed during the procedure.

Before a Dental Cleaning   (See 2nd Photo Attached)

After a Dental Cleaning     (See 3rd Photo Attached)

Dental health is important to the overall care of your pet.  Now that you’ve gotten some great tips, you can start ensuring your pet will have a healthy mouth at their next vet check up!

Read Tori's Blog

Helping to keep beloved furry babies healthy and safe... and pet parents informed!

Lori

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