Dental Care Action Steps for Dogs and Cats

• Both puppies and kittens should have a dental examination by a veterinarian at two, three and four months of age, followed by annual examinations. Early dental exams allow the veterinarian to identify dental development problems early when the pet can benefit from early intervention.

• All dogs and cats can benefit from a regular home dental care routine that is recommended by a veterinarian. This home care program often will include both regular brushing and a proper, nutritional food.

• Introduce a brushing program to pets gradually. At first, dip a finger into beef bouillon for dogs or tuna water for cats. Rub the soaked finger gently over the pet's mouth and teeth. Make the initial sessions short and positive. Gradually, introduce gauze over the finger and gently scrub the teeth in a circular motion. Finally, you can introduce a soft toothbrush designed for pets.

• Use a sensitive or ultra-soft brush designed for people or a brush designed for pets. Special pet toothbrushes are available from your veterinarian or pet stores.

• Don't use toothpaste designed for people because it could upset the animal's stomach. Specially flavored toothpastes designed for pets are available from your veterinarian or pet stores.

• Caring for your pet's teeth can strengthen the human-animal bond. Make it part of the regular grooming routine.

• Feed a nutritionally balanced diet. There are now specially formulated dog and cat foods with dental benefits that you can feed once you switch your pet from puppy or kitten formula to a maintenance diet. This food is available through pet stores and can actually reduce the accumulation of plaque and tartar while the animal is eating.

Avoid feeding table scraps to dogs or cats; “people food” is much worse at leaving plaque and tartar on the teeth than pet foods due to the soft texture. For the same reason, if you cannot feed a “dental diet” try to stick with a dry pet food.

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