Preventative Home Dental Care for Your Pet

Preventive home dental care is one of the least expensive and most important things you can do for your pet’s health. Decreasing plaque and preventing tartar formation has wide-spread health benefits throughout your pet’s body. There are many options for a home dental care routine; you can combine daily brushing with the use of special diets, like Hill’s t/d, CET chews and VOHC (veterinary oral health council) approved treats. The more you can do at home, the less will need to be done by your veterinarian.

 

Daily brushing is the single most effective way to control plaque and tartar build up. Brushing the teeth mechanically eliminates the soft plaque that forms on your pet’s teeth before it turns to hardened tartar that causes gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). Tooth pastes come in pet-friendly flavors, like poultry, beef and seafood. It is important to use an enzymatic paste specifically for pets as human toothpaste can be harmful. You only need to brush the outside surfaces of the teeth, paying particular attention to where the teeth and gums meet. Keep it positive for your pet and give them a treat, a favorite toy or play time afterwards as a reward. Your pet will also be more accepting if this is part of their daily routine every day. Dogs and cats thrive in predictability and routine.

In addition to tooth brushing, there are many other options that can be part of an effective home dental care routine. From special foods to treats, like Greenies, VeggieDents, Dentabones and more, there is something to help every mouth. The VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) is an independent organization that evaluates the effectiveness of products that claim to control plaque and tartar in dogs and cats. There is a list of products that are proven effective – treats, food, etc – on their website at www.vohc.org. It’s best to chose from this list. Other products may or may not work as they claim.

Have fun keeping your pets’ mouths healthy and giving them the best chance at a long, healthy life.

article written by:

Sheila Newenham, DVM

Companion Animal Hospital Mount Prospect