Regular dental care is essential for the health and well-being of your dog or cat, just like it is for us humans. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, signs of periodontal disease can appear in dogs and cats as early as three years of age. If left untreated, the problem only worsens over time. Along with regular checkups and a healthy lifestyle, there are several dental care products designed especially for animals that can help enhance their at-home dental care. In this article, we will explore some of these products and their benefits.
Choose the Right Toothbrush
Getting your pet accustomed to having their teeth brushed may not be easy, but it can be done with patience and the right tools. The BrushMate from PawReady is a great option. It is long and thin, with a brush head at each end. One brush is small and the other slightly larger, allowing for different sizes of dogs and cats. It is also designed to reach hard-to-reach areas, such as molars. Another option is the unique double-headed pet toothbrush from Petosan®. The bristles meet at a 45° angle, hugging the teeth for effective cleaning at and below the gumline. Petosan® also offers a 4-Step System for easier toothbrushing.
Put Bite Prevention in Place
Accidental bites can be a concern when handling your pet’s mouth. To promote safer brushing, you can use BiteBlock from PawReady. This rubber tool has a ring that fits over your middle finger with an extension that goes into the animal’s mouth. It prevents your pet from clamping their teeth together, making it easier to brush and reducing the risk of getting bitten.
Try a Toothbrush Alternative
For pets that struggle to accept having their teeth brushed, there are alternatives available. Jax & Cali Toothbrush Wipes are designed to fit over two fingers. They fight bacteria, plaque, and inflammation, with natural enzymes that slow and reduce bacterial growth. These wipes also promote whiter teeth and fresh breath.
Consider a Dental Powder or Supplement
Some pets may continue to resist oral hygiene despite the use of toothpaste, toothbrushes, or wipes. In such cases, dental powders or supplements can be helpful. Teef for Life is a vegan, prebiotic, plant-derived dental powder that you can add to your pet’s drinking water. It promotes dental health even if you can’t brush their teeth daily. Another option is VF Bio-Dent from Standard Process, which contains nutrients to support the bony structures and connective tissue in the body, including the mouth. Holistic Soft Bites from Swedencare are functional bites formulated with a unique kelp that helps reduce plaque and prevent tartar.
Teach Your Pet to Have Their Teeth Brushed
Teaching your pet to have their teeth brushed should ideally begin when they are still young, but it is possible to train adult animals as well with patience. Start by getting them used to having their face touched, their lips lifted, or having a visual check of their teeth. Once they are comfortable with that, introduce a wet toothbrush and let them sniff and examine it. Gradually introduce flavored toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs and cats, letting them lick it off your finger and eventually adding it to the toothbrush. Start with brushing a few teeth at a time until they get used to the idea.
Dietary Tips
Diet also plays a crucial role in your pet’s dental health. Here are a few tips to support their dental wellness:
- Feed them the healthiest diet you can afford, such as premium raw, canned, or dry food made from whole food ingredients.
- If your pet eats paté-type food, add bits of raw meat or high-quality canned food chunks to encourage chewing rather than swallowing the food whole.
- Avoid low-end kibbles that are high in carbs and can increase inflammation in the body, including the mouth.
- Choose treats that are of the highest quality and made from wholesome ingredients with no artificial additives.
With the range of options available to support dental wellness, it is easier than ever to maintain your pet’s oral health and prevent the painful problems associated with periodontal disease.
To learn more about products that support your dog or cat’s dental health, visit Pet Lovers Diary.
Note: This article is based on the original content from Animal Wellness Magazine.