You gave it a good shot, but the stress from trying to brush your pet’s teeth simply isn’t worth it. No matter how slowly you tried to introduce flavored toothpaste and a variety of brushes, your furry pal said, “No way!” and scampered away. If toothbrushing seems out of reach for your pet, our team here at Bluebonnet Animal Hospital has put together the following methods you can try at home!
#1: Dental treats and chews
If your pet turns up their nose at toothbrushing, entice them with treats and chews. Search for dental products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), as these have demonstrated their ability to slow plaque and tartar accumulation. When searching for the perfect chew for your pet, avoid items that are too hard, since they can lead to tooth fractures. Leave antlers, hooves, and bones on the shelf, and choose some pet dental chews instead!
#2: Food and water additives
Liquid additives for water can help reduce the bacterial load in your pet’s mouth, which is the main cause of dental disease. Food additives are generally in powder form, and their enzymes gently scrub away plaque. Both additives can help reduce bad breath, plaque, and tartar accumulation.
#3: Prescription dental diets
If your four-legged friend eats a regular adult pet food, consider switching to a prescription dental diet. The kibble in these diets is generally larger, with an airy, fibrous texture that breaks up easily so that the kibble edges scrub away plaque and tartar.
None of these products require you to stick your hand inside your reluctant pet’s mouth, so they can make at-home dental care a breeze. Since toothbrushing is considered the gold standard of at-home dental care for pets, combine the above products for maximum efficacy.
No matter how well you care for your pet’s teeth at home, they’ll likely still require a professional dental cleaning at some point. Stay on top of your furry pal’s oral health care with regular exams. Please contact us to schedule an appointment!