Take care of their teeth: oral hygiene for cats and dogs

Just like humans, dogs and cats can have dental issues that affect their health. Your pet’s mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, so it’s important to take care of their teeth.

As soon as you adopt your pet, start brushing their teeth regularly. It may take a few weeks of training, but most animals get used to it quickly. Be sure to use toothpaste made for dogs or cats though, because human toothpaste with fluoride isn’t safe for them. You should also offer your pet lots of treats, toys and hard, crunchy foods that are designed to maintain their oral health.

Some signs that your pet has dental issues include teeth with yellow or brown buildup, red and swollen gums, bad breath and difficulties eating.

Be sure to have your pet’s teeth professionally cleaned by a veterinarian. A proper cleaning involves a full scaling and removal of plaque and tartar under general anesthesia, which can’t be performed by a groomer.

Your pet can’t tell you if they have a toothache, so do them a kindness and take care of their teeth by feeding them hard kibbles, brushing their teeth and taking them to the vet regularly.