Having a pet can be truly rewarding, with plenty of joyful moments, however a more stressful task for pet owners is brushing your pet’s teeth. Love it or hate it, brushing your pet’s pearly whites stands out as the most effective way to maintain their oral health and prevent dental issues down the line.
While it might seem like a daunting task at first, with patience, the right tools, and a gentle approach, it can become a part of your daily pet care routine.
If you and your pet are starting a dental care journey together for the first time, don’t worry – here we provide a simple beginner’s guide to brushing your pet’s teeth!
Why brushing your pet’s teeth matters
Dental health is more than just fresh breath and sparkling white teeth. Poor oral hygiene can lead to plaque build-up, gum disease, and possibly more severe conditions later on. Regular tooth brushing helps prevent these problems and ensures your pet lives a happier, healthier life.
Studies show that over 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease by the age of three. Moreover, according to a study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College, periodontal disease is one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases in cats, with 1.8 million cats affected every year in the UK. An interesting point from the study outlined that much of the research around dental disease in pets has been focused specifically on the canine family, so there’s plenty more to learn about this condition in felines and indeed small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs.
However, the good news is that dental disease and the associated symptoms such as bleeding gums and loss of teeth in pets can be prevented with the right care. All the research and studies highlight the same point: proactive dental care in a pet’s early years is essential in reducing the risk of periodontal disease later on in life.
Let’s look at what you should keep an eye out for when checking your pet’s dentures.
Recognising the signs of dental issues
Before you begin brushing your pet’s teeth, it’s important to know the common signs of dental problems:
- Bad breath
- Red or swollen gums
- Yellow or brown tartar build-up
- Loose or missing teeth
- Difficulty eating or chewing
- Excessive drooling
- Bleeding from the mouth
If your pet displays any of these symptoms, consult your vet before starting a brushing routine. Particularly for cases of gum inflammation (more commonly known as gingivitis), even gentle brushing can exacerbate this, causing further discomfort for your pet. It’s important to treat any existing conditions before starting a dental care routine.
Using the right tools when brushing your pet’s teeth
As with any new routine, a good starting point is making sure you have the right tools on hand. Here are some of the tools you may need for brushing your pet’s teeth:
- Pet-specific toothbrushes: Designed for your pet’s mouth, they are softer and angled for easier use.
- Finger brushes: Ideal for beginners, these allow for greater control and are less intimidating for your pet.
- VETIQ Enzymatic toothpaste is formulated for both dogs and cats to promote optimal oral health. Its advanced blend of ingredients actively combats plaque and tartar buildup, while also freshening breath and leaving your pet’s mouth clean and odour-free.
A step-by-step guide to brushing your pet’s teeth
- Get your pet comfortable: Pets love consistency so anything new, be it a new routine or an unfamiliar environment, can trigger feelings of anxiety in our furry friends. When starting a new dental care routine, choose a quiet space and let your pet get used to the toothbrush and toothpaste. Let them sniff and lick the paste first.
- Start slow: Gently lift your pet’s lip and use your finger to rub their gums. Once they’re used to this, introduce the toothbrush.
- Use gentle circular motions: Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and brush in soft, circular motions, focusing on the gum line. Concentrate on the outer surfaces of the teeth, where plaque tends to build up the most.
- Take breaks if needed: Don’t rush. If your pet gets anxious, pause and try again later. Gradually increase the brushing time as your pet becomes more comfortable.
- Reward your pet: After each brushing session, reward your pet with praise, a toy, or a dental treat to create a positive association.
Some quick tips for success!
- Start when your pet is young to build good habits.
- Consistency is key; aim to brush daily, or at least a few times a week.
- Stay patient. Gradual, short sessions work best.
- Establish a routine so your pet knows what to expect.
What if my pet refuses tooth brushing?
Not all pets will love having their teeth brushed – for some pets, it might take some extra tricks up your sleeve! In such cases, try these alternatives:
- VETIQ Denti-Care Solution is an easy way to maintain your pet’s oral health without brushing. Simply add this complete oral care solution to your pet’s drinking water to improve your pet’s dental hygiene. It’s ideal for pets that dislike brushing!
- Healthy Treats Denti-Care For Dogs & Puppies can enhance and maintain your dog’s dental health. These treats feature a crispy outer cereal shell that massages gums and cleans teeth when bitten, helping to prevent plaque and reduce tartar. The cream-filled centre contains nutritious natural anti-microbial agents, including parsley seed and peppermint oils for fresh breath!
- Professional cleanings at your vet: Not only do these offer a much deeper clean of your pet’s dentures but in cases of particularly nervous kitties or boisterous pooches, a vet has the resources to carry out a full clean of your pet’s teeth under a mild anaesthetic.
If your pet remains resistant, continue using a combination of dental-friendly treats and chews while slowly reintroducing the toothbrush.
Start your pet’s dental care routine with VETIQ
If you’re ready to introduce a good dental care routine into your beloved pet’s day, why not start with some of our flagship dental care products?
- VETIQ Enzymatic Toothpaste is perfect for dogs and cats. It contains a proven blend of ingredients that boost oral health by reducing tartar, cleaning teeth, and freshening breath. Its anti-bacterial action targets plaque and tartar, while reducing tartar buildup, leaving your pet’s mouth clean and odour-free.
- VETIQ Denti-Care Solution offers a no-fuss alternative for pets that dislike brushing. Simply add it to your pet’s drinking water to improve oral hygiene. The active ingredient, natural pomegranate extract, reduces plaque and bacteria, supporting long-term dental health and fresher breath.
- VETIQ Healthy Treats Denti-Care For Dogs & Puppies. These treats are specially formulated to improve and maintain dental health. The crispy outer shell massages gums and cleans teeth when bitten, helping to prevent plaque and reduce tartar. The creamy centre contains natural anti-microbial agents, including parsley seed and peppermint oils for fresh breath – no brushing required!
- VETIQ Teething Gel quickly relieves your puppy’s sore gums during teething. The tasty, sugar-free gel contains chamomile, peppermint, and clove oils to soothe redness, swelling, and irritation, while also discouraging unwanted chewing. Free from artificial colours, flavours, and sweeteners, this gel is suitable for puppies as young as 4 weeks old, and can also provide relief for older dogs experiencing tooth loss due to age.
With the VETIQ dental care range, you can create a routine that suits your pet’s needs and ensure healthier teeth and gums!
