Dental Brushing

1. Start brushing their teeth as soon as possible—8 to 12 weeks old is best. If you brushevery day your pet will become familiar withthe routine when their permanent teeth erupt. Please note: You may need to stop brushing while your pet is losing its baby teeth. Their mouth will be a bit sore and handling may cause more pain. Continue once all the permanent teeth come in.

2. Work with your pet’s mouth. Be patient and make it fun. Use love and praise, and try to practice practice at the same time each day to establish a routine. Choose a quiet time,such as late in the evening, or if your pet is highly motivated by food, try just before dinner so your pet will be rewarded for cooperation.

3. Handle the muzzle and touch your pet’s lips and work up to rubbing the teeth and gums with your finger. Put a few drops of waterflavored with low-sodium chicken or beefbouillon for dogs and tuna juice for cats intheir mouth and they’ll begin to look forwardto these sessions.

4. Use a bouillon- or tuna-flavored washcloth ora piece of gauze wrapped around the end ofyour finger to rub the teeth gently.

5. Finally, use a finger brush or a soft veterinaryor human toothbrush to brush the teeth usingthe bouillon water or tuna juice. Hold thebrush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth andbrush gently back and forth or in a circular patternfrom gum to tip. Brushing the tongue sideof the teeth is less critical, but still good. Offerrewards and treats when your pet allows youto brush to keep it a good experience.

6. Consider other dental aids. A large selectionof veterinary toothpastes, oral rinses, andgels are available to you. Our veterinary teamcan help you select the one right for you andyour pet. These products all enhance yourhome care program, but daily brushing isbest. Avoid human toothpaste because fluorideand detergents can be harmful if swallowed.Hydrogen peroxide can be harsh onthe gums and shouldn’t be swallowed either.Baking soda has a high sodium content andshould be avoided in older pets.

7. Pick kibble and rubber chew toys that willhelp keep the teeth clean. Avoid naturalbones, which are hard enough to fractureteeth. Your veterinarian can recommend acomplete and balanced professional diet touse at feeding time and as a treat.