Going to the dentist is never fun. I just went the other month and it was definitely about time. Even though I brush regularly, I had all sorts of plaque and build-up on my teeth but after a good cleaning, they were feeling amazing again.
What about your pet?
Your pet needs a good cleaning and brushing every so often and if you can get a regular home brushing program with your pet you can be less likely to get into problems with gingivitis and periodontal desires which come after too much buildup of plaque and bacteria. Did you know that 80% of our dogs and 70% of our cats show some kind of desire by the age of three!
Steps
1. See your veterinarian. I know, I know, going to the doctors is never fun but they can take a better look at the condition of your pet’s teeth and gums. This will give you an idea of where they are at and if there are any serious health issues.
2. Get the right tools. There a special toothbrushes and toothpaste for pets. DO NOT use human toothpaste on your pet because fluoride could cause stomach pain. Pet toothpaste can come in meat flavor making it a lot more enjoyable for your pet.
3. Start off slow. At first, you may only be able to put a little toothpaste on your pet’s nose, cheek, or lips before they quickly lick it off. This will get them to use it. As they let you put a little toothpaste on they be sure to give them lots of praise and reward them with treats. This will show your pet this is a good thing and with time they will get more comfortable with the toothpaste. Once they are familiar with the toothpaste you can introduce the toothbrush with the toothpaste on it. They may be a little confused with it at first but with time you will have more and more success.
4. Consistency is key. This is going to be a new concept for your animal so be excited by the small wins. At first, they may only let you brush very little but with consistent efforts, your pet will get into the routine.
Extra note:
There are a lot of great chew toys out there that will help your pet naturally clean their teeth. While these aren’t a substitute for brushing they can be a good way to get started. Some of these toys are made as ropes or rubber balls with treats inside made to lightly rub against the pet’s tooth as they chew on the toy.
Remember, not many people like the dentist but with these four easy steps, you’ll be on your way to creating impactful healthy habits for your pet that they will thank you for later.