You know it’s important for you to brush your teeth, but what about your pet’s teeth? Here’s everything you need to know about brushing your pet’s teeth.
Why Should You Brush Your Pet’s Teeth?
Brushing your pet’s teeth is a lot like brushing your own. When we brush our teeth, we do so to remove plaque and tartar, and it’s the same for our pets. If your pet is not getting its teeth brushed, that tartar and plaque build up to cause serious dental issues like cavities, tooth loss, gum disease, gingivitis, and, of course, bad breath. We all know how unpleasant that can be! While these are serious issues in and of themselves, they can also lead to other health problems in the rest of your pet’s body such as liver, kidney, and heart problems. These issues can cause them chronic pain and even shorten their lifespan. Brushing your pet’s teeth ensures you are not just taking care of their oral health, but their overall health, as well.
How Should You Brush Your Pet’s Teeth?
Though it may not be something you look forward to doing, it’s important to establish a routine with your pet and brush their teeth at least three times a week. Begin by figuring out a good time to brush them. Your pet should be relaxed and comfortable, so ensure it’s at a time when they’re not usually hyper. You’ll also need a toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for pets, both of which you can get at your local pet store.
Once your pet is calm and you have the tools you need, kneel or sit in front of them. You should never stand above them or hold them down because this will make them upset and anxious. Next, rub your finger along their teeth and gums, using light pressure. This helps you test how willing they are to have you near their mouth and gets them comfortable with the motion. Then, spread a bit of the toothpaste on your finger and hold it out to them so they can get used to the taste and feel.
As soon as your pet is comfortable with the above, get ready to start brushing. Lift your pet’s upper lip and gently brush the gum line and teeth with the toothbrush. Brush in small circles and start by only brushing a few teeth at a time. Work your way up to brushing the entire mouth for a total of two minutes. Be sure to get the outsides and canines, which is where plaque tends to build up in your pet’s mouth.
To finish, end tooth brushing time by rewarding your pet. Give them a treat, some extra love, or playtime, because it’s important that they view tooth brushing as something to look forward to.
Be sure you are caring for your teeth, as well! Call us today to schedule a cleaning.
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