At-Home Pet Dental Care Tips

I remember I used to have a poster in my office that had a picture of a bulldog with the caption, "His breath could stop a train". At the time it was cute but I know from first-hand experience that when you have a pet with bad breath it is not cute! Establishing routine preventative dental care with the help of your veterinarian is important, but supporting this with regular at-home dental care for your pet is essential to continuing their good health!  For many pet parents that is not as easy as it sounds.

We are lucky to have so many options for preventative oral care that do not involve a toothbrush and the difficulty of brushing an unwilling beloved pet's teeth.

Here are some at-home dental tips and options that may help to keep your pet’s mouth healthy in between visits to the veterinarian.

Signs that there is something wrong:

Watch for the following observable changes in behavior as they often point to a dental problem. If observed, the signs indicate that the dog needs to be seen by the veterinarian.

  • Loss of appetite
  • Appearance of a good appetite, but reluctance to eat
  • Eating on only one side of the mouth
  • Excessive drooling
  • Gulping food without chewing
  • Food dropping out of the mouth while eating.

 

Dogs don’t always have lovely breath, but chronic halitosis is one of the most common signs of severe oral/dental problems, including:

  • Periodontal disease:
    • Gum disease caused by plaque
    • Results in:
      • Gum infections
      • Tooth loss
      • Systemic infections
  • Oral masses
    • Cancerous Growths
    • Benign growths
  • Gingival hyperplasia
    • Condition caused when the gums overgrow
    • Observed as bumps and deep crevices.

How to assess your pet's Gums and Teeth

  • Once a week, gently pull back your pet's lips and look at its gums and teeth or sneak a peek when your cat or dog bares its teeth for any reason.
    • Gums should be pink
    • Gums should not be white or red
    • Teeth should be white
    • Teeth should not show any discoloration or have any tartar buildup.

There are many options available today other than just brushing your pet's teeth. I know that brushing can be challenging so I would recommend reading thru the rest of this blog to see what option might work for you and your pet. It will definitely be worth it as it will prevent dental disease and other health disorders that often begin as a result of poor dental health.

Option#1.

Brushing

Brushing with a pet toothbrush and toothpaste is still the most effective option. Cleaning your pet’s teeth on a regular basis will help to prevent the problems caused by bacteria and plaque build-up. Follow these steps:

  • Talk to your veterinarian to gather information and ask them to:
    • Recommend a toothbrush that is appropriate for your type and size of pet
    • Select a toothpaste that will entice your pet and make them look forward to having their teeth brushed, most kinds of toothpaste are flavored in a way that dogs will enjoy the taste. Do no use human toothpaste.
    • Provide a demonstration of the steps involved in brushing your pet’s teeth.

The following steps will teach your pet to enjoy their brushing routine:

  • Begin by helping the dog get comfortable with the brushing motions:
    • Over a few weeks, daily massage their lips with your finger moving in a circular motion
    • Once the lips have been massaged, move to the teeth and gums
  • Once the animal is comfortable, place a small amount of toothpaste on the animal’s lips to introduce them to the taste
  • Using the toothbrush, massage the animal’s gums
  • Apply toothpaste to the toothbrush or directly on the teeth and then gently brush the teeth using the following technique:
    • At a 45-degree angle to the teeth, gently move the toothbrush in small, circular motions
    • Clean one area at a time
    • Since the teeth that touch the cheek have the most tartar, using a downward motion of the toothbrush will help to loosen and remove this tartar.

Option#2.

Chewing: Chews, toys, and treats

The right type of chewing toy is good for the teeth of dogs. Not only does chewing massage the gums and clean the teeth, but it also provides a safe way to satisfy its desire to gnaw on something which will help to reduce stress and prevent boredom. Talk to your veterinarian to get their advice on picking out a proper type of chewing item for your pet.

Option#3.

Water Additives and Oral Rinses

Drinking water additives and oral rinses are one of the easiest, safest and most convenient ways to provide oral health care to dogs. 

Simply add the pet drinking water additive to your pet's daily drinking water and you can truly do wonders at preventing dental disease. These drinking water additives typically do not contain any harmful ingredients such as chlorhexidine, chlorines or alcohols and are safe enough for daily ingestion without any side effects. At present, several types dental rinses are available on the market. For Oral Rinses you will be required to lift the lip of your pet exposing their gums. When the gums are exposed you will spray/squeeze the bottle aiming the oral rinse at their gums. When followed by a healthy treat your pet usually won't mind the intrusion. It is less time consuming than brushing.

Option#4.

Diet and food additives.

Discuss with your veterinarian the type of food that your pet eats. Dry kibble helps to slow down the formation of plaque and tartar. An animal fed mostly canned food may benefit from being supplemented with hard biscuits to help remove plaque and tartar. I also recommend a product called Perio Support Powder.  Perio Support Powder is a daily support formula for dental health and hygiene for both cats and dogs. It was designed to be used between veterinary dental cleanings to control plaque formation and support gum health, 

Option#5.

Professional Dental Cleaning

During your pet's annual exam your Veterinarian will assess your pet's teeth and gums. Your Veterinarian can perform a dental cleaning much like you receive from your dentist. Often during teeth cleaning your Veterinarian will be able to take a closer look at your pet's teeth, gums and mouth to determine their overall dental health.  As pets get older I recommend annual teeth cleaning or as needed when recommended by your Veterinarian.

 

Finding the best dental routine for your pet is important for their longevity and vitality. Too many of my patients have mouth infections or the beginning signs of dental disease or advanced stages of it. This impacts their overall health. Providing daily at-home dental care will help to further improve your pet's chances for better dental health and longevity.

To Your Pet's Good Health,

 

Barry Miller DVM