Every veterinary visit should include having your pet's teeth checked. This can avoid heartache and pain in the future by knowing about your pet's dental health.
The first thing to keep in mind is you want to stay out of harms way when you brush your pet's teeth. Some pets just don't like to have their teeth brushed, especially in the beginning, and they have sharp teeth that you don't want to be subjected to.
You will want to have approved equipment such as pet toothbrushes and paste. You don't want to use human toothpaste. Some pet's don't like the mint that is in our toothpaste and the foaming agents in the fluoride can cause upset your pet's stomach. Pet toothpaste comes in flavors such as beef or chicken so it tastes good to the pet.
Let your pet become used to the toothpaste and brush before you start using them on your pet. Associate the toothbrush and paste with treats so the pet knows it's a good thing. Let them lick the toothpaste before you start brushing their teeth. Give them lots of praise as you do this. After the first step, let them lick the toothpaste off of their toothbrush. Again praising them. Be patient, this may take up to a couple of weeks.
Be sure to use a soft bristle toothbrush. You always want to be gentle when you brush you pet's teeth, especially at the beginning. Use your finger brush or pet toothbrush and start at the front of the mouth. Brush the teeth up and down as well as in a circular motion and move your toothbrush back towards the molars.
Some pets will let you open their mouths and brush the tops of the teeth, but not all pets are going to let you do that. The back of the teeth are not as susceptible to plaque as the front teeth.
Other things that can help with your pets plaque are dental treats for dogs as well as gourmet cat treats that even though they are for hairballs, the crunchiness of the nugget will help get rid of plaque. Rope toys as well as other chew type of toys help keep the plaque off the teeth because of the chewing action.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
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