Oral Care

Brushing your Dog or Cats teeth can be a challenge, especially if you're just starting the process with an older pet. If they don't enjoy the process, be very patient. Brushing your pets teeth gives you an opportunity to inspect your animals mouth, teeth and gums for any tooth chippings or gum lesions. If found, you may want to visit your vet. 

Oral Care products are available at your local pet supply stores and vet offices, and are usually inexpensive. There are two types of toothbrushes: one that looks like a small persons toothbrush and one called a finger brush. Toothpaste comes in both cat and dog versions or a combination and usually come in a variety of flavors like peanut butter, poultry or meat. The majority of pet toothpastes are enzymatic, meaning they work by leaving enzymes in the mouth to target and help destroy plaque and tarter buildup.

To encourage your pet to allow you to brush their teeth, start by trying to get your finger safely into their mouth. You can try a little bit of yogurt or peanut butter to help along the way, and for cats you can use canned feline food. Try that for a few days and over that period try to keep your finger in their mouth for a longer period of time and if they allow it, rub your finger along their gum line.

Common indicators of oral problems include:

-      Bad breath

-      Swollen, bleeding gums

-      Discolored teeth

-      Plaque buildup

-      Appetite loss

-      Discomfort while eating

-      Pawing and rubbing the face

-      Drooling

Gingivitis is caused by tarter buildup on the teeth close to the gum line. The gums become sore and inflamed, they can recede and expose more tooth surface. Once diagnosed, gingivitis can easily be reversed with good oral care.

Tooth fractures can occur when dogs or cats (more dogs) chew on hard things such as bones or toys. Dogs can break their teeth on hard bones if they are to hard for the dog, or for example the dog doesn’t understand how to chew on a bone properly (i know i have that problem). If a tooth fracture occurs, the nerve can be exposed and therefore can cause pain for the dog. If your pet does happen to break their tooth, be sure to visit your vets office.

Nutrition: When choosing a diet for your pet, try to choose one with a low-starch option (no corn, wheat or rice if possible) and contain no added sugar sources. These starches stick to your pet’s teeth and cause the tarter and plaque buildup.

Looking for an easier fix?

So if your pet doesn’t enjoy having their teeth brushed, there are many other options out there for you.

Drinking water additives: These are liquids you just put into your pets water, with results usually appearing over time.

Oral gels/sprays: These are a great option and work well as well as fast. If you do them consistently you can achieve the results you desire. Most sprays or gels require just a quick spray or wipe in the mouth once a day for about 30 days and are designed to stimulate the natural enzymatic defense.
With gels and sprays you will want to wait at least 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after food or water so that they are the most effective. I recommend using them right before bed that way you can take the water away and you know they won’t be eating anything. 

Some great oral care companies: 

Tropiclean Fresh Breath (gels, water additives)
Leba (spray)
Denta Treat (powder)
PetzLife (gels, sprays)
Slurp n'Fresh  (water additive)

Tropiclean Fresh Breath after 30 days (used 1ce a day)