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Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth
 Keeping
your pet's teeth healthy is
important as they use their mouths
for many things: eating, playing,
fetching, grooming! Nobody likes the
smell of “dog breath” which is
caused by the accumulation of
bacteria in the mouth in the form of
tartar. Establishing a dental plan
for your pet is best started when
they are a puppy or kitten but even
older dogs and cats can be taught
these “new tricks.”
How to brush your pet's teeth: -
Brushing should ideally be
performed once a day.
-
Place the toothbrush in your cat
or dog's mouth at the gum margin
(where the teeth and gums meet)
starting at the back of the
mouth.
-
Brush the outer surfaces of the
teeth in an oval pattern or
swirling motion, moving from
back to front for about 30 to 60
seconds on each side.
-
Finish by brushing the incisors
(front teeth).
-
Focus on the outer, upper
surfaces of the teeth; brushing
the inside surfaces of the teeth
is not necessary as the tongue
does a good job of cleaning this
part of the teeth.
-
Use toothpaste approved for dogs
and cats (we recommend CET
toothpaste.) Never use human
toothpaste as it contains too
much fluoride that can be toxic
to pets when swallowed.
-
You can use a toothbrush
approved for dogs and cats, a
children's or infant's
toothbrush with soft bristles,
or a finger brush.
-
If your pet does not like the
toothbrush initially, start by
placing just toothpaste in the
mouth or using gauze pads or a
washcloth to gently wipe the
teeth.
What to do when your pet won't allow
you to brush the teeth: -
We recommend using an oral gel
(like Maxiguard gel) once a day.
-
You can use dental treats (like
CET chews.)
-
You can use a dental diet to
supplement with your pet's
regular diet.
We recommend Hill's t/d.
There is no substitute for daily
brushing. Periodic professional
dental cleanings may still be
necessary, so we recommend a once
yearly examination to evaluate your
pet's oral health.
-Anchor Animal Hospital
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