Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth

Your dog relies on you for dental care. Dry food and chew toys help but they do not entirely remove tartar at the gum line where dental problems begin. Using a soft, pediatric toothbrush or finger brush and toothpaste designed for dogs and cats will help prevent dental disease. Most dogs, and ferrets accept the taste of these toothpastes readily. It is important to start the tooth brushing routine between 3-6 months of age. Most dogs dislike human toothpaste so do not use it.

Start by simply massaging your pets lips and mouth with your fingers – then give him a treat. When he is used to this, get him accustomed to having his lips and teeth rubbed. Then place a little of the toothpaste on your fingers as you do this. Most of the tartar (80%) forms on the outer (bucal) surface of the teeth so you do not need to spend large amounts of time cleaning the inner surfaces. Concentrate on the rear teeth and the base of the canine teeth (fangs). Begin brushing for very short periods; very gently and very slowly. When you are done, give your pet a treat for being a good patient. Proceed longer and more thoroughly gradually from day to day and stop when your pet begins to squirm or show resentment.

Within a few weeks you should be able to do a rather thorough job. A good time to brush your dog’s teeth in first thing in the morning. Some dogs by nature resent tooth brushing more than others. Difficult dogs will have to rely more on hospital cleaning and specialty diets and treats.

Treat your pet's dental problems

Look out for Dental Disease

Bacteria from your pet's teeth can get into the bloodstream and cause serious heart problems - so keep the teeth clean.

WHAT ARE THEIR SIGNS

Your pet has bad breath with yellow or brown teeth. His gums may be red and he may have difficulty chewing.

AND THE CAUSES

Pets don’t brush their teeth and dental problems are the result. Plaque, a thin coat of bacteria, accumulates on the teeth, it progresses to tartar, leading to gum inflammation. Bacteria also grows under the gum-line, causing gum infection (gingivitis) which can lead to tooth loss if not treated. Cats are prone to a specific type of dental problem called a FORL (Feline Odonotocalstic Resorbptive Lesion). This is equivalent to a cavity where the tooth decays at the gum line.

SOLUTIONS

DENTAL DIET. Ensure that your dog eats a dry kibble with larger pieces that have to be chewed. Some food companies now produce specific dental diets which will lower tartar buildup. They are more abrasive on the teeth and some contain an enzyme which lowers tartar formation. These foods are available at your local veterinarian.

NATURAL DIETS. Raw meaty bones and windpipes from cows or pigs can help keep teeth clean. If your dog splinters and swallows large pieces of bone, he is at risk of obstruction, so don’t give him bones. Some cats love chicken necks. To rule out the risk of Salmonella (a bacterial infection), put the bones or windpipes in boiling water for 30 seconds first.

IN THE GARDEN. Raw vegetables, such as carrots are a great, low calorie treat which can help clean the teeth. If your dog likes them, then feed away.

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