Caring for your pet’s teeth and gums is an important part of maintaining their overall health. Pet dental care should be a priority for pet owners, as dental issues like gingivitis, gum disease, and tooth decay can lead to more serious health concerns, including heart, liver, and kidney problems in animals.

Tartar and plaque can build up in dogs and cats even at a young age. Starting dental care as early as possible will be easier and less stressful for both you and your pet.

Signs your dog or cat may be experiencing dental pain

One of the first symptoms you may notice of dental concerns in your cat or dog is bad breath. However, there are other signs you can keep an eye out for.

Common symptoms that your pet might be experiencing dental pain:

• Avoiding eating harder foods and choosing to eat wet food only
• Only eating from one side of their mouth
• Difficulty chewing and eating more messily than usual
• Cry or yelping when eating
• Weight loss
• Avoiding drinking
• Excess drooling

If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, please see a vet to prevent further health complications. Our friendly team are happy to assist you in reviewing your pet’s dental hygiene.

Tips to maintain clean teeth in your pets

Ensuring your cat’s and dog’s teeth remain in good condition requires regular actions, including brushing. When brushing their teeth, make sure you only use pet toothpaste, as human toothpaste can cause stomach irritation and even be toxic to pets. It’s best to start brushing your pet’s teeth as early as possible.

Before you begin brushing your pet’s teeth please have a look at their mouth. If you see signs of inflamed gums or plaque build-up around the base of their teeth (plaque presents as a yellow or brown colour) please book a dental consult with a vet.

Tips for brushing your pet’s teeth

Before you introduce the toothbrush, make sure your pet is comfortable with you handling its face and mouth. You can do this by stroking its cheeks and around its mouth; once it is relaxed, you can move on to the next step.

You can buy pet toothbrushes from most pet shops. Use a separate toothbrush for each cat or dog, as saliva can be a major route for cross-infection. Toothbrush let them see, sniff and play with the toothbrush so they become acquainted.

Introduce them to the toothpaste without using the brush by letting them try it and get used to the taste. Apply some to their lips and nose, making them comfortable with the taste and smell.

Once they are comfortable with you handling them, the toothpaste, and the toothbrush, you can start brushing their teeth. Find a position where both you and your pet are comfortable, and you can easily access their mouth. To start brushing, move the toothbrush in small circular motions. You’ll want to start doing just a few seconds at a time until they build up a tolerance for you to do it for a longer period.

Of course, some animals may never be comfortable having their teeth brushed, and there are other ways you can help support their dental hygiene, such as using dental sticks.

If you are considering feeding your pet raw bones, be aware that for some animals it can cause gastrointestinal upset, broken teeth, intestinal impaction, and choking. Cooked bones should never be fed to your pet. Ask your vet if bones are suitable for your pet.

Our friendly team can help assess your dog or cat’s dental hygiene as well as provide routine and complex dental care. Please call us at 03 9328 3021 or book online via our website.