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Starting a
Dental Health Care Program at Home
Pets need dental care, too! Thanks to quality care
from devoted owners, improved pet foods and scientific advances in
veterinary medicine, pets are living longer than ever before. Part of
living a long, healthy life is receiving proper dental care.
The best care pet owners can provide at home is
daily toothbrushing. Toothbrushing can be easy if you start out on the
right foot. It is important to remember that it takes time to establish
a trusting relationship and train pets to accept toothbrushing. It pays
to start slowly and gradually progress to a complete brushing once a
day.
Training Your Dog to Accept Brushing
Step 1. Toothbrushing is Fun!
You will need a soft toothbrush and pet
toothpaste. Choose a flavor your pet will like. For the first week,
offer the toothpaste as a treat. Once a day, offer the pet a taste of
toothpaste and allow them to eat it off the toothbrush.
Step 2. Learning to Brush
Once the pet is enthusiastic about getting a treat
of toothpaste, begin trying to brush. It is not necessary to brush the
tongue side or "inside" of the teeth. No need to open your pet's mouth,
just lift a lip to expose the teeth.
Try to brush one or two teeth to begin. Brush one
or two teeth each day until your pet is calmly accepting this process.
Slowly increase the number of teeth you brush each day until after a
few weeks you are able to brush every tooth.
Make sure to get the back teeth. Place the
toothbrush between the cheek and the teeth and brush all the way back
to the molars.
Remember, keep it fun. Go slowly and build trust
between you and your pet. Toothbrushing should be a special treat, not
a dreaded chore.
Step 3. Reward, Reward, Reward!
Make sure your pet receives a special treat after
brushing. A cookie or food reward, lots of praise and petting will all
show your pet you appreciate their cooperation and that toothbrushing
is fun.
Dental Care Tips
- Start gradually. Take time to acquaint pets
with toothbrush, toothpaste and handling before attempting to brush
teeth.
- Brush a few teeth at a time at first, don't
start a struggle to do the whole mouth the first time.
- Don't worry about brushing the inside of teeth,
the outside surface is all you need to reach.
- Every day is best! If you aren't able to brush
every day, make sure to apply a dental sealant once a week.
- Know what normal is. Check your pet's teeth,
gums and mouth frequently for changes.
- Bad breath almost always indicates a problem.
Any change in your pet's breath means it's time to visit the
veterinarian.
- Never hesitate to ask questions. We are only a
visit or phone call away
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