Tips For Caring For Your Dog's Teeth

February was Pet Dental Health Month. It’s an ideal way to raise awareness of the importance of dental health, but pet parents know caring for pet’s teeth is a year-round task. If you’re not certain how to care for your pet’s teeth, we have advice.

There are several ways to keep your cat or dog’s teeth healthy and the best first step a pet parent should take is to get their pet accustomed to having their teeth and gums touched.

If you’re new to pet ownership or if you’re new to caring for your pet’s teeth, try this:

1. Grab a soft cloth
2. Wet a portion of it with warm water or you may want to dip it in a bit of broth
3. Sit in a comfortable place with your pet
4. Stroke your pet’s fur and talk calmly
5. As you’re talking rub your pet’s muzzle
6. Slowly lift your pet’s lips and rub the warm, wet cloth on his teeth
7. If your pet struggles to get away, don’t force her to stay (you can try again another time)
8. With time and patience your pet will let you rub his gums and teeth with the cloth.
9. After you’ve worked your way up to that, you can switch to a finger toothbrush (available at your vet’s or a pet store) Rub your pets teeth and gums with the toothbrush (it will be nubby and the sensation will be different so you may need to start all over as you did with the cloth)
10. Once your pet lets you rub his teeth with the finger brush, dab some pet-specific toothpaste on the finger brush or a pet-specific toothbrush.
11. Slowly brush your pet’s teeth. It may take you two or three settings to get his entire mouth. Patience is key!

How To Care For Your Dog's Teeth

Your veterinarian will likely recommend you brush your cat or dog’s teeth daily. If you have time, then by all means do so. If you don’t have time and if it takes several sittings to get your pet’s entire mouth, at least schedule time to brush three or four times a week.

Loosening plaque and tartar and dislodging food or treats or even sticks from between your pet’s teeth is the main reason for regular brushing. Your veterinarian will also tell you that poor dental health can lead to many other health issues for your pet, including cardiac issues and being unable to eat because of dental pain.