Preventative Dental Care Recommendations from KAH

Want to know how you can keep your pet’s teeth clean at home and limit the frequency for anesthetized dental cleanings?  At home dental care is key to keeping your pet’s teeth in tip top shape.  There are a number of different products you can use at home, from simply giving a treat to daily brushing.  At home dental care can be easy as pie with the right products and approach.  

Dental treats come in a variety of shapes and flavors.  They can be found at just about any store in Frederick, MD from pet supply stores to grocery stores and even the dollar store.  So, how do you know which treats are actually helping your pet’s teeth?  A good way to find out is to check the Veterinary Oral Health Council's website at vohc.org.  Other good ways to make sure you are truly using a dental appropriate treat is if it is sold by your veterinarian, VOHC approved or made by Virbac.

CET Hextra chews for dogs and cats.

Chew treats for dogs are amongst the most popular treats seen on the market.  At Kingsbrook Animal Hospital, we recommend giving CET rawhide chews.  These chews are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.  CET chews not only prevent tartar accumulation on the teeth, but also provide great mental stimulation for your dog.  Dogs should not chew treats that are too hard due to the risk of fracturing a tooth.  If there is a fractured tooth, it will likely need to be removed.  The CET rawhide chews are not too hard and they love the flavor.  Greenies and CET Oral Hygiene Chews make great dental appropriate treats for cats too!  Please exercise caution and supervise your pet when giving any chew treat .

Greenies brand chews for dogs and cats.

DentAcetic dental wipes are another dental product approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.  These wipes work great for both cats and dogs and are an easy way to start a home dental care routine.  As you wipe the surface of the teeth, enzymes work to break down tartar.  Most pets tolerate them very well and they are so easy to use.

Dentacetic dental wipes.

Lastly, the best thing you can do for your pet’s teeth is to brush them.  First, choose a veterinary approved toothpaste that is safe for your pet to ingest.  CET enzymatic toothpaste comes in a variety of flavors including poultry, vanilla mint, and malt.  Human toothpaste is not safe for pets to swallow and should never be used. 

   

                           CET enzymatic toothpaste  

  Then introduce the toothpaste by simply offering it as a treat.  Once your pet has become accustomed to the taste, use your finger to rub the toothpaste along the teeth.  After your pet easily tolerates you rubbing his teeth with your finger, try introducing a tooth brush.  Ideally, brushing should be done daily, but every other day is sufficient in decreasing tartar.

Any at home dental care routine takes time, patience, and persistence.  Learn ways to incorporate a home dental care routine for your pet by CLICKING HERE to visit Kingsbrook Animal Hospital’s YouTube channel.