If you think about it, people do home dental care on themselves every day. With everything that goes into your mouth, even the air you breathe, you're introducing bacteria to your teeth and gums. Brushing helps clean the teeth of bacteria and residue left behind. The same goes for your pets. You brush your teeth once or twice a day, sometimes use mouthwash, or floss. So why not do the same for your pet?
Believe it or not, most dogs and cats will accept having their teeth brushed or another form of oral care. It may take some time, and definitely some patience, but it can be done!
ToothBrushing
Ideally, dogs and cats should have their teeth brushed daily as with humans. However, we know that is often not possible! Many dogs, and even cats, will allow tooth brushing several times a week when patiently trained to accept it.
Train your pet to accept having his/her teeth brushed by first inserting your finger along the outside of the teeth. Gently rub the teeth, then reward with praise and/or a treat. Do this several times until your pet accepts your fingers in the mouth. If you wish, you may dip your fingers in chicken broth (dogs or cats) or tuna water (cats). Sometimes this makes your pet more likely to accept your fingers in their mouth.
Once your pet accepts your fingers in his mouth, you may use a gauze square, childrenâs soft bristled toothbrush, a finger brush or a pet toothbrush. Again, dipped in chicken broth or tuna water is okay.
You may then add a PET formulated toothpaste. DO NOT USE HUMAN TOOTHPASTE-this can make your pet ill. We carry Enzadent pet toothpaste in several flavors (poultry, malt, mint) to use for your pet. Many pets like the taste of the toothpaste and will accept it.
Concentrate on the outsides of the teeth on the sides of the mouth (the larger teeth known as premolars and molars). These teeth collect the most plaque and tarter. Work your toothbrush or gauze square in circular motions along the teeth.
If your pet tries to bite or just will not allow you to brush the teeth, there are several other options for home dental care.
Hillâs Prescription Diet T/D
Hillâs T/D is formulated to be fed as a sole diet, however there can be some benefit if fed as a treat.
T/D has been clinically proven to provide improvement in tartar accumulation and oral health similar to brushing your petâs teeth once a week.
T/D kibbles are larger than normal pet food. This encourages the pet to chew the food (as some pets eat their food without chewing). The larger kibble acts as a toothbrush and scrapes the teeth to help remove plaque and tartar. For T/D to be of benefit, your dog or cat must chew the kibbles. If your pet is on a special diet, consult a staff member before feeding T/D.
Oravet
Oravet is a gel designed to help prevent plaque and tartar buildup. We apply this sealant after every dental cleaning in our office. Oravet has no odor, no taste, and is invisible once applied to the teeth.
Oravet can be applied at home on a weekly basis. You may use the applicator provided in the kit or your finger to spread the gel over the outsides of the teeth.
CET Products
We carry several CET products to help keep your petâs teeth healthy.
CET Chews & VeggieDents are impregnanted with Chlorhexidine. This provides a natural abrading action to help remove plaque buildup and food debris and freshen breath. As with all rawhides or toys, they should only be used with supervision, and disposed of when they become too soft. Cat and Dog versions are available.
We carry an Oral Rinse containing ZincChlorhexidate you can apply to your petâs teeth and gums to help fight plaque buildup. Simply pour a little on a napkin or gauze square and rub it along the gumline. This can be done weekly.
CET Aquadent is added in measured amounts to your petâs water daily. This will help maintain fresh breath and healthy teeth and gums.
As you can see, there are several options available to help keep your dog and catâs mouths healthy at home. No matter the type of dental care you choose to try at home, dogs and cats will still need periodic professional dental cleanings. However, doing some form of dental care at home for your pet will help prolong the need for that dental cleaning, and hopefully keep your pet from needing many teeth pulled.
Please ask a Suburban Animal Clinic staff member about home dental care for your cat or dog today!
Remember, Suburban Animal Clinic is offering $15 off every professional dental cleaning in February and March in honor of Dental Health Months. Be sure to schedule now-slots are filling in fast!!
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