Home Dental Care for Dogs and Cats
An important part of dental health is a good home care program. While professional dental cleanings performed by your veterinarian are essential, what you do at home between cleanings can significantly slow the buildup of plaque and tartar and help keep your pet's mouth healthy. The good news is that there are many different products and approaches available to fit your pet's temperament and your schedule.
Why Home Dental Care Matters
Plaque forms on teeth daily. If not removed, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed by professional cleaning. However, regular brushing and the use of dental products at home can slow this process significantly, reducing the frequency of professional cleanings needed and keeping your pet's mouth healthier between veterinary visits.
Home dental care also allows you to monitor your pet's oral health closely. Regular handling of your pet's mouth means you're more likely to notice problems like broken teeth, inflamed gums, or unusual growths early, when they're easier to treat.
Brushing Your Pet's Teeth
Brushing is the gold standard for home dental care. It mechanically removes plaque before it can harden into tartar. Ideally, you should brush your pet's teeth two to three times per week, though daily is even better.
Getting Started
Start slowly, especially with pets who are not used to having their mouths handled. Begin by simply lifting the lip and touching the teeth and gums with your finger. Reward your pet with praise and a treat for tolerating this. Gradually work up to using a finger brush or soft toothbrush.
For puppies and kittens, start brushing early so they become accustomed to the procedure. Even if their baby teeth will fall out, the handling and routine will make adult tooth brushing much easier.
Choosing a Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Use a toothbrush designed for pets or a soft-bristled human toothbrush. Finger brushes work well for small mouths or pets just getting used to brushing.
NEVER use human toothpaste on your pet. Human toothpaste contains ingredients that can be harmful if swallowed, and pets do not rinse and spit. Use a toothpaste formulated for pets, which comes in flavors like poultry, beef, or seafood that pets find appealing.
How to Brush
Focus on the outside (cheek side) of the teeth, as this is where plaque and tartar tend to build up most. You do not need to brush the inside (tongue side) of the teeth. Use gentle circular motions along the gum line.
Don't try to brush all the teeth in one session, especially when you're first starting. Pick a time when your pet is calm and relaxed, and brush a few teeth at a time. Gradually increase the number of teeth you brush as your pet becomes more comfortable with the routine.
Dental Chews and Treats
Dental chews and treats are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar through the mechanical action of chewing. They work best when used in combination with brushing, not as a replacement for it.
Look for products that have been tested and approved by veterinary dental organizations. Not all chews are created equal, and some can even be too hard and may damage teeth.
Keep in mind that dental treats add calories to your pet's diet. Adjust their regular food portions accordingly to prevent weight gain.
Dental Diets
Some pet foods are specifically formulated to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. These foods typically have a larger kibble size and a texture designed to create a scrubbing action on the teeth as your pet chews.
Dental diets can be fed as your pet's primary food or mixed with their regular food. Talk to your veterinarian about whether a dental diet is appropriate for your pet.
Oral Hygiene Rinses and Water Additives
Oral hygiene rinses and water additives contain ingredients that help reduce bacteria in the mouth and slow plaque formation. These products are easy to use and can be a good option for pets who will not tolerate brushing.
Rinses are applied directly to the teeth and gums, while water additives are mixed into your pet's drinking water. Follow the product instructions carefully and choose products that are specifically formulated for pets.
Combining Approaches for Best Results
Brushing and rinsing in combination with dental treats and food will help to prevent future buildup of calculus. The more approaches you use together, the better the results. Even if you can't brush daily, combining weekly brushing with dental chews and a water additive can make a meaningful difference in your pet's oral health.
When to See Your Veterinarian
Home dental care is an important part of your pet's overall health, but it is not a substitute for professional dental cleanings. Even with excellent home care, most pets will need periodic professional cleanings under anesthesia to remove tartar that has built up below the gum line.
Schedule a veterinary visit if you notice:
Bad breath
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Difficulty chewing or eating
Pawing at the mouth
Loose or broken teeth
Yellow or brown buildup on the teeth
Any lumps, growths, or sores in the mouth
For more information on professional dental cleanings and what to expect during the procedure, visit our Dental Care services page.
Questions About Dental Care or Need to Make an Appointment?
If you have questions about how to brush your pet's teeth, which products to use, or whether your pet needs a professional dental cleaning, our team can help during a wellness exam.
