It’s National Smile Month, so there’s no better time to focus on your pet’s dental health. And with dental disease affecting so many cats and dogs, our straightforward guide will help you prevent problems before they start.
Signs of dental problems
Your cat or dog may not let on if they’re suffering from toothache, so you need to keep an eye out (and a nose, in some cases) for the tell-tale signs:
- Bad breath
- Drooling
- Dropping food
- Discomfort when eating, like eating on one side of the mouth.
- Bleeding, red or swollen gums
- A red line along the gum
- Brown/yellow plaque
- Broken or missing teeth
- Any unusual swelling on their face, especially around their cheeks or under the eyes
How can I brush my pet’s teeth?
Cleaning your cat’s or dog’s teeth might seem like a wacky idea, but it’s the best way to reduce their risk of developing dental disease. Your pet probably isn’t going to like it at first – if ever – but you have a much better chance of them getting used to it if you start brushing from an early age. That said, it’s never too late to start. Here’s how:
- Buy a suitable toothbrush and toothpaste for your dog or cat. Never use human toothpaste and never share brushes among your pets – each one needs their own.
- Familiarise them with the taste of toothpaste by putting some on your finger and encouraging them to lick it off. Most pets will think it’s a treat. If they’re not playing ball, try putting a small amount of toothpaste on their nose so they get used to the smell. Eventually, they should take it from your hand. Repeat this for a few days in a row.
- Once they are comfortable with this feeling, start introducing the toothbrush, brushing with soft, circular movements, just like you would on your own teeth. Begin with just a few seconds, then gradually increase the time over a few weeks.
- Don’t get cross if your pet doesn’t respond very well – be patient. They may never take to having their teeth brushed, in which case it’s not worth the stress for you or your pet. You can also try starting with a finger toothbrush first, then moving on to using a standard pet toothbrush once they are comfortable.
How else can I keep my pet’s teeth healthy?
- Once your pet is comfortable with having their teeth brushed, aim to brush at least twice a week (daily is ideal).
- Visit your vet for regular dental check-ups, preferably every 6 to 12 months.
- Consider giving your pet dental treats designed for dogs or cats (and always follow the product’s feeding instructions).
- Other effective products designed to help reduce plaque are: Vet Aquadent (added to drinking water), PlaqueOff (sprinkled onto food) or Logic Oral Hygiene Gel (used like a toothpaste).
- Your vet may also recommend a dental or oral care diet for your dog or cat. These are pet foods with specially designed kibble that has a brushing effect to help reduce plaque build-up. Only feed these diets if your vet recommends them.
For more ways to support your pet’s dental health, explore our range of dog and cat dental care, from toothbrushes to dental chews that make daily care that little bit easier.
