Just like for humans, dental health is very important to the overall health of our dogs and cats. As pet owners ourselves, we know how difficult it can be to get our animals to sit still, or even tolerate, having their mouth examined and their teeth brushed.
Thankfully, science has come a long way and there are some great products available that makes brushing easier, or, will at least do some of the hard work without using a brush at all.
When it comes to your pet’s teeth, the VOHC — the Veterinary Oral Health Council can be your best friend. (Next to a toothbrush and your veterinarian, of course!)
The VOHC is an organization within the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) — the organization that oversees and certifies the dental specialists within the veterinary field.
The VOHC has created the standardized scientific protocols that companies must follow while conducting the plaque and/or tartar controlling studies on their products if they wish to obtain a “VOHC Seal of Approval” to substantiate their dental benefit claims.
Your pet needs clean and pearly white teeth for all their selfies, but more importantly, their dental health is a big factor in their overall health.
You can help them out by getting in the habit of brushing their teeth daily. The younger you start this habit, the better. Not only is it a great way to help keep them healthy, but it is also an awesome way for the two of you to bond.
When it comes to toothbrushes, sometimes smaller (and softer) is better.
As a training toothbrush or for those dogs and cats that run at the sight of the brush, these finger toothbrushes are good options.
This is a nice (and fun!) option that you won't accidentally use for yourself!
For those who like planning ahead, this adjustable kit takes you from toothbrush training through to adult care.
Do not use human toothpaste, as it can be toxic to pets. Instead, use toothpaste made specifically for dogs and cats. The best part is pet toothpaste is designed to be swallowed, unlike human toothpaste, and because it's tasty, your pet will be more attracted to it.
Without affecting healthy bacteria, the enzymes work to reduce the harmful bacteria in a your pet's mouth. The amount of plaque that is formed and sticks to the teeth is reduced when harmful bacteria is decreased by the enzymes and your pet's breath is fresher.
For dogs and cats who hate to have their teeth brushed, you can try Oratene Brushless Toothpaste Gel. Remember, while something is better than nothing, this isn’t as beneficial as brushing since you are not ‘mechanically’ nor as efficiently removing the bacteria-laden plaque.
Remember: ANY time your pet has a treat, chew, or toy, you MUST always supervise them. Accidents happen all the time and a moment of fun can turn deadly when your pet chokes.
When it comes to keeping up with your dog’s dental health, the more options you have the better. And you want it to be enjoyable for them too! That’s where dental treats help.
Whimzee Brushzees chews are perfect for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. They have a variety of sizes and shapes so you can pick the best for your dog. Whimzees are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which tests and verifies the claims of dental products for cats and dogs. More on the VOHC below.
These chews are a veterinarian's favorite rawhide because they are easier to digest and have the benefit of helping clean your dog's teeth and freshen their breath with its dual-enzyme system. The formula makes them easier to digest, and they are accepted as a product by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
These plant-based chews (non-GMO corn used, no artificial ingredients) have a unique shape that helps get into those hard-to-reach places. The chews help keep your dog’s teeth clean by reducing plaque, freshen breath, and support proper digestion.
Let's be honest, brushing your pet's teeth regularly is tough! That is why it is important to have other options when it comes to daily dental care for them. While nothing is as good as brushing their teeth, adding in other options lessens the stress when you need to skip a day or two.
There are food and water additives that aid in reducing plaque and tartar build-up. A good food additive is VetriScience Perio powder, and Oratene makes a water additive for pets that doesn't have any flavor. You just add it to their drinking water.
Oral rinses are different than water additives and, in some cases, are the easiest to use. You use a syringe, gently put it under the cheek, and squeeze it in. Rinses are very helpful for animals recovering from having teeth pulled, for those who won't let you near their teeth, don't like chews, or refuse to drink water with additives. Our favorite options are below.
Dental diets can be a great addition to your pet's dental hygiene routine. These diets are specially formulated to reduce plaque, stain and tartar buildup, and help to freshen breath.
Besides feeding them as your dog's main diet, you can also use them as treats. Consult with your veterinarian to see if a dental diet would be a good choice. Some options include:
When your dog’s mouth hurts, they have little to no patience for having their mouth messed with. But it is important to prevent further issues as well as attempt to heal the gums.
If your dog is dealing with advanced periodontal disease, consulting your veterinarian about using Oratene Oral Antiseptic gel could be beneficial. This solution incorporates a powerful enzyme that effectively addresses gingivitis and periodontal issues.
It provides relief to irritated gums by reducing inflammation. This way, there's no need to directly brush sore gums, which can make your dog more receptive to the treatment.
