How to Brush Your Dog's or Cat's Teeth

Maintaining your pet’s oral hygiene means more than simply having fresh breath. Dental hygiene is directly linked to other components of your pet’s overall health, including your pet’s heart, kidneys, and liver.


	Try an alternative dental product for pets. Tooth brushing may initially be difficult and uncomfortable for your pet. Consider an alternative product and progress to a toothbrush once your pet is more comfortable with the experience.
	Petkin Toothwipes Finger Toothbrush

Regular brushing and dental check-ups are the best ways to prevent your pet from contracting an oral disease.


	Use toothpaste formulated for pets. Do not use human toothpaste when brushing your pet’s teeth. Human toothpaste is not intended to be swallowed by pets as pet toothpastes are. Sodium lauryl sulphate (found in human toothpaste) causes a foaming action, which most pets dislike.	C.E.T. Toothpaste Finger Toothbrush C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit for Dogs and Cats


	Be patient when brushing. Be patient when attempting to brush your pet’s teeth. Initially your pet may be uncomfortable with the process which is normal. Try to be as comforting with your pet as possible. For cats you may want to wrap them in a blanket or towel to prevent scratching. Keep brushing sessions short to allow your pet to become familiar with the experience. Start with 5 second sessions, and work up to 2 minutes day. When brushing use gentle massaging motions.


	Follow up with dental chews, treats, and rinses. Using a solution, chew, or treat regularly in addition to brushing can help maintain your pet’s oral health and fresh breath. Oral solutions can be added to your pet’s water bowl to kill bacteria and are undetected by your pet. When rewarding your pet, try a dental chew or treat instead of a fatty treat.	Dental Rinses: 1-800-PetMeds Be Fresh Dental Care Solution C.E.T. Rinse C.E.T. AquaDent
Dental Chews and Treats:
	1-800-PetMeds Breath Refresher Greenies Dental Chews Feline Greenies Dental Treats C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Chews For Dogs C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Chews For Cats
"My American Eskimo loves her Greenie every morning as a treat. This is the only food she doesn't sniff before eating. This year her check up with the vet was better than ever and her teeth were cleaner than the last several years." - Missy


		Max's Tip: Brushing only removes plaque. If you notice tartar buildup on your pet's teeth and gums, you will need to schedule a professional dental cleaning with your pet's veterinarian.

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How to Brush Your Dog's or Cat's Teeth

Try an alternative dental product for pets.

Use toothpaste formulated for pets.

Be patient when brushing.

Follow up with dental chews, treats, and rinses.