Alcona Animal Clinic

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February is Pet Dental Health Month 

 

 

 

 Here are some tips to help keep your pets' teeth strong and healthy at home- and positively impact their overall health- with these tips for home dental care and pet toothbrushing. 

  • Start brushing their teeth as soon as possible- 8-12 weeks old is best.  If you brush every day your pet will become familiar with the routine when their permanent teeth erupt.  You may need to stop when they start losing their baby teeth as their mouth will be sore.  Continue once all the permanent teeth come in.
  •  Work with your pets mouth.  Be patient and make it fun.  Use love and praise, and try to practice at the same time each day to establish a routine.  Choose a quiet time, such as late in the evening, or if your pet is motivated by food, try just before dinner so your pet will be rewarded for cooperation.
  • Handle the muzzle and touch your pets lips and work up to rubbing the teeth and gums with your finger.  Put a few drops of water flavored with low sodium chicken or beef bouillon for dogs, and tuna juice for cats in their mouth and they will begin to look forward to these sessions.
  • Use a bouillon - or tuna- flavored washcloth or a piece of gauze wrapped around the end of your finger to rub the teeth gently.
  • Finally, use a finger brush or a soft veterinary or human toothbrush to brush the teeth using the bouillon water or tuna juice.  Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle to the tooth and brush gently back and forth or in a circular pattern from gum to tip.  Brushing is the tongue side of the teeth is less critical, but still good.  Offer rewards and treats when your pet allows you to brush to keep it a good experience.
  • Consider other dental aids.  A large selection of veterinary toothpastes, oral rinses and gels are available to you.  Our veterinary team can help you select the one right for you and your pet.  These products all enhance your home care program, but daily brushing is best.  Avoid human toothpaste because of fluoride and detergents can be harmful if swallowed.  Hydrogen peroxide can be harsh on the gums and shouldn't be swallowed.  Baking soda has a high sodium content and should be avoided in older pets.
  • Pick kibble and rubber chew toys that will help keep the teeth clean.  Avoid natural bones, which are hard enough to fracture teeth.  Your veterinarian can recommend a complete and balanced professional diet to use at a feeding time and a treat.

 Thank you for letting us help improve your pets dental health.  Following a consistent home care program will safeguard your pets dental health and result in fewer professional cleaning, less tooth loss, and a happier, healthier pet.  Just remember there's no substitute for professional veterinary care.  Work with your veterinary team to ensure a long, happy life for your pet. 


Information provided courtesy of Dr. Scott Linick, FAVD, Plainfield Animal Hospital, Plainfield, N.J.