In honor of February National Pet Dental Health Month, we encourage you to clean your dog’s or cat’s teeth on a regular basis (daily is best, but at least twice a week is fine too).
Teeth cleaning doesn’t have to be a struggle! You can make it a positive experience by praising your pet as you calmly and patiently follow each step.
Plus if you follow these simple steps, you can help keep your pet’s teeth clean, healthy and pain-free! We promise they’ll love you for it
- Choose a quiet time and place to start brushing.
- Position your pet comfortably. With small dogs and most cats, hold your pet securely in your lap, with its head facing away from you. If your dog is larger, sit on a chair and have your dog sit beside you so you can comfortably handle the mouth and teeth.
- Start by rubbing your finger or a soft cloth over the outer surfaces of your pet’s teeth, using a back-and-forth motion. Be careful to stay on the outside surfaces of the teeth to avoid being bitten by accident.
- The first few times you do this, only rub the cloth along a few teeth rather than the whole mouth, especially if your pet is unsure or nervous about the process.
- When your pet is comfortable with you rubbing the teeth, introduce pet toothpaste… first on your finger.
- Then, apply a small amount of pet toothpaste to the cloth and rub it over the teeth.
- Finally, switch from the cloth to a toothbrush designed for pets so you can get in between the teeth. Always be gentle and go slowly so you avoid poking the toothbrush against gums and causing irritation.
That’s it! Now you’re the master of brushing your pet’s teeth. Give yourself a big “gums up.”
If you ever need guidance or want to make sure you’re doing a good job, ask your veterinarian about a dental checkup for your pet.
Caution: These news items, written by LifeLearn Inc., are licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written permission of LifeLearn Inc. Please note that the news information presented here is NOT a substitute for a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by our clinic veterinarian.
