Pet Dental Care: Products to Improve Your Pet’s Teeth
Good news, Castle Rock pet parents!
Pet dental care has progressed a long way beyond chew toys in terms of their effectiveness.
In this article, you’ll discover 4 pet dental care products for cats and dogs that can help you care for your pet’s teeth at home.
It takes approximately 48 hours for bacteria in your pet’s mouth to harden into plaque.
If you can care for your pet’s teeth in that 48-hour window, you’ll help prevent or minimize pet periodontal disease. (It’s the #1 disease in adult cats and dogs.)
Pet teeth brushing
Yes, there are actually toothpaste and toothbrushes that are designed just for your cat or dog.
What you need to know:
- If your cat or dog won’t let you brush… but you can squirt a half-inch-long ribbon of toothpaste in your pet’s mouth, you’re still helping your pet minimize the bacteria that can lead to periodontal disease.
Useful tips:
- The trick to introducing your pet to a toothbrush and toothpaste is to start slowly:
(1) First, get your cat or dog used to having his or her mouth touched.
(2) Then, put some toothpaste on your finger and put it in your pet’s mouth, so he or she can get familiar with the taste.
(3) Work your way up to a finger toothbrush. (See the photo above for an example.)
(4) Once your pet is used to this process, try a cat toothbrush or dog toothbrush to gently brush your pet’s teeth. - The earlier you can introduce your cat or dog to the process above (ideally, as a puppy or kitten), the easier it will be to start brushing your pet’s teeth later in life.
- If you have a cat or dog that just isn’t up for tooth brushing, we completely understand.
Please scroll down for other product ideas or consult with our Castle Rock veterinarians for suggestions.
Oral rinses for pets
Oral rinses are one of Dr. Melanie’s favorite dental care options for cats and dogs.
An oral rinse can really help you cut down on the plaque-causing bacteria in your pet’s mouth.
What you need to know:
- The rinse comes in an easy-to-use squirt bottle.
- Simply squirt the rinse on both sides of your pet’s mouth, and you’re done.
- Our veterinarians have found that oral rinses work well with most dogs and cats.
Useful tips:
- Slowly and gently squeeze the rinse into your pet’s mouth, so it doesn’t startle your pet.
- To get your pet started, use treats to make the oral rinse a pleasant experience.
Drinking water additives for pets
Drinking water additives are liquids that you can add to your pet’s water bowl to help fight plaque and freshen your pet’s breath.
What you need to know:
- Drinking water additives are good options for multi-pet households.
- They’re also good for pets that won’t let you near them with a toothbrush.
- Some pets (particularly some cats) do not like the taste. You may want to try this option before buying a large supply.
Useful tips:
- If you have a filter on your cat’s or dog’s water bowl, you need to turn the filter off in order for the drinking water additives to be effective. (Otherwise, the filter will negate the beneficial elements of the rinse.)
- If your dog or cat likes fresh water, you can still use fresh tap water.
Pet dental chews
Pet dental chews are tasty treats you can give your cat or dog.
What you need to know:
- Pet dental chews get the plaque off your pet’s back teeth (the molars and premolars), but not their front teeth (their canines and incisors).
- Dental chews tend to be better for younger pets that don’t have a lot of plaque yet.
- Typically, you only need to give your pet one dental chew per day.
A couple of tips:
- Only give your dog or cat dental chews when you’re present, especially your dog.
- If you aren’t supervising your pet, he or she may try to swallow a big piece without chewing it.
- Because dental chews don’t eliminate plaque on your pet’s front teeth, they tend to be a good product to give your pet between oral rinses or toothbrush cleanings.
Dental chews are a good complement to other pet dental products.
Want to give these products a try?
Our Castle Rock veterinary clinic carries C.E.T. home dental care products for pets. You’re welcome to stop by anytime.
You also can find similar products at local pet supply stores.