Guide to the best dental care for pets

Key overview: Guide to the best dental care for pets

• Start early, from when your dog or cat is 8-12 weeks old.
• Use a finger brush or a small toothbrush with soft bristles, and a pet-specific toothpaste.
• Support their dental health by monitoring their mouth for any changes and using dental treats and toys.
• Regular veterinary dental check-ups and professional cleaning are also essential to detect any problems early.
• Signs there could be an issue with your pet’s teeth include: bad breath, bleeding gums, drooling, chewing on one side and pawing at the mouth. For cats it’s more subtle and can include reduced grooming or poor appetite.

Dental care for pets is important – and it’s not just about pongy dog breath. Neglecting a pet's teeth can lead to gum disease and tooth loss, and may even detrimentally affect their internal organs. Here’s how to keep your pet’s pearly whites in good shape.

When should you start brushing your pet’s teeth?

Good dental care should begin as early as possible, says Dr Ran Duan from Sydney Pet Dentistry. “Puppies and kittens can be introduced to tooth brushing from around 8-12 weeks,” she says. “Starting young helps them become comfortable with having their mouths handled.”

Dr Duan recommends using a small toothbrush with soft bristles or a finger brush, and pet-specific toothpaste, as human toothpaste can be harmful.

Positive reinforcement is key. “A yummy toothpaste on a toothbrush may be enough of an enticement for your pet to let you brush their teeth,” she says. “Or reward them with praise, gentle affection or a favourite toy after brushing. Keep brushing sessions short at first and gradually increase the time as they become more relaxed.”

How to take care of your pet’s teeth

Healthy teeth require a combination of home and professional veterinary care. Ideally, owners should brush their pet's teeth and monitor for any mouth changes daily. “Dental treats, toys, and specially formulated dental diets can also help support oral health,” advises Dr Duan.

But she warns home care can’t remove hardened tartar below the gum line. “Regular veterinary dental check-ups and professional cleaning under anaesthesia are important to prevent periodontal disease and detect problems early,” she says.

What are signs there might be an issue with my pet’s teeth?

• bad breath
• tartar build-up
• red or bleeding gums
• drooling
• difficulty eating
• chewing on one side
• pawing at the mouth
• loose teeth
• irritability or reluctance to play

Cats can be more subtle – look for reduced grooming or poor appetite.

If a tooth needs extracting, Dr Duan says dogs and cats generally adapt well, as removing painful, infected teeth often improves their comfort and quality of life. “But the best approach is prevention through consistent home care and regular veterinary dental examinations,” she adds.

Looking for other proactive ways to keep your pet healthy?

Check out our article on how pet tech can improve your pet care.

Photo credit: Adobe Stock.