Regular brushing and professional dental cleanings are just as important for dogs and cats as they are for
humans. Periodontal disease is
the number one dental problem in dogs.
Cats often develop cavities below the gum line, causing much pain and a
decreased appetite. As in humans,
abscessed teeth or periodontal disease can affect other parts of the body. In dogs and cats, it can cause heart and
kidney disease.
A regular veterinary
dental check-up and cleaning under a short-lasting anesthetic is important to
your pet’s good health. Equally
important is home dental care, such as brushing the pet’s teeth at least three times per week.
Number
one, this should be fun for you and your pet. Be upbeat and take things slowly.
Keep sessions short and positive. Be sure to praise your pet throughout the
process. Give yourself a pat on the back, too! You are doing a great thing for
your pet!
1. First, have your pet get used to the taste of the toothpaste. Pet
toothpastes have poultry, malt, or other flavor so your pet
will like the taste. Get your pet used to the flavor and consistency of the
toothpaste by letting your pet lick some off your finger. Praise your pet when he
licks the paste and give a reward (really tasty treat.) If your pet does not
like the taste of the toothpaste, you may need to try a different kind.
Continue this step for a few days or until your pet looks forward to licking
the paste. DO NOT USE HUMAN toothpaste as it will irritate the pet’s
stomach. The next step is to have your pet
become comfortable with having something placed against his teeth and gums.
Apply a small amount of paste to your finger and gently rub it on one of the
large canine teeth in the front of the mouth. These are the easiest teeth for
you to get at and will give you some easier practice. Be sure to praise your pet
and give a tasty treat or other special reward (e.g., playing ball.)
2. After your pet is used to the toothpaste, and having something
applied to his teeth, get him used to the toothbrush or dental sponge you will
be using routinely. We need to get your pet used to the consistency of these
items, especially the bristles on a brush. So, let your pet lick the toothpaste
off of the brush so he gets used to the texture. Again, praise your pet when he
licks the paste and give a really great treat or other reward. Continue this step for about a week, making
sure your pet readily licks the paste off of the brush.
3. Now your pet
is used to the toothbrush and toothpaste and having something in his mouth. So
the next step is to start brushing. Talk to your pet in a happy voice during
the process and praise your pet at the end. Lift the upper lip gently and place
the brush at a 45ยบ angle to the gum line. Gently move the brush back and forth.
At first, you may just want to brush one or both upper canine teeth. You do not
need to brush the inside surface of the teeth (the side towards the tongue).
The movement of the tongue over the inside surfaces keeps them relatively free
of plaque. Be sure to praise your pet, end on a good note and give a tasty
treat or other great reward.
“We encourage people
to regularly examine their pet’s teeth for signs of periodontal disease, such
as: swollen, red, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth or the
loss of teeth, pus between the gums and teeth, broken teeth, and any unusual
growth in the mouth,” said Dr. Eisner (an AAHA member who specializes in
veterinary dentistry). Reluctance to
eat, play with chew toys, or drink cold water are warning signs of periodontal
or gum disease.
We are a member of the
American Animal Hospital Association, an organization of more than 10,000
veterinarians who treat companion animals.
Established in 1933, the association is well-known among veterinarians
for its high standards for hospitals and pet health care.
