Dental Care Steps to Keep Pet’s Teeth Sparkling

For most of us, our pets are more like our children. And just like human children, they need proper care with food, shelter, love, medical and dental care. Caring for your pet’s teeth is very important in their overall health. Brushing your pet’s teeth can seem like a daunting task, but our step-by-step guide will help you through the process. If you’re still thinking you’d rather leave it up to professionals, we’d be more than happy to assist you with a dental cleaning for your pet here, at our vet clinic. Visit https://andesstraleyvet.com/ for more information.

Must Have Items for Dental Care

As for brushing implements for pets, you have a few options. A regular toothbrush, which is quite similar to a human’s toothbrush, with softer bristles and an angled head to properly reach all parts of a pet’s mouth. A dual-headed toothbrush, which has 2 heads back-to-back, can brush fronts and backs of teeth at the same time. Another is a finger brush, which actually slips over your finger and allows you to brush each individual tooth. As for pet toothpaste, there are many options on the market in different flavors, and there are even several recipes that can be found online for making homemade pet toothpaste.

Time and Place

It’s best to set aside a time for cleaning pet’s teeth that will be relatively quiet, and in a location that is free of distractions. Teeth cleaning is usually not a pet’s favorite thing to do, especially in the beginning, so calmer is better for a good overall experience.

Introduction to Dental Care

Allow your pet to get used to the toothbrush and toothpaste slowly. Let them sniff it, check it out, maybe give it a taste, before diving in for a good brushing. The first few sessions of dental care for your pet might be best spent letting them discover, at their own pace, that there’s nothing to be fearful of.

Brushing

All right, your prep work is all done, and it’s time to get down to business. Before beginning, remember to praise your pet often throughout. Start with the top, hold your pet’s upper lip and brush the top teeth, front, back and sides. Take a break for some praise and encouragement. Next, move on to the bottom, hold your pet’s bottom lip and brush the bottom teeth, front, back and sides. Again, remember to praise often, as this will help your pet acclimate to this new routine, and learn to love it, or at least tolerate it.

We hope this guide has given you some insight into starting and maintaining your pet’s dental health. Again, we’d be happy to assist you and your pet with a dental cleaning at our vet clinic. Give us a call at (423) 378-4443 or submit an appointment request on our website to get your pet scheduled at https://andesstraleyvet.com/contact-veterinary-hospital/.