Home Dental Care for Pets

At Estcourt Vets, we have seen many examples of the old saying: “prevention is better than a cure”.

There are so many ways owners can help their pets by implementing small changes into their daily lifestyle, with your pet’s oral health being one of the easiest!

We have a whole page dedicated to how we can take care of your pet’s teeth, but here we advise you on what you can do to help at home. Don’t hesitate to chat to our nursing team if you require any further advice.

Brushing your pet’s teeth

Wondering how to clean your pet’s teeth? Investing in a pet toothbrush and toothpaste and using them regularly on your pet is the most effective way to keep their mouth healthy. You can get either a traditional toothbrush or a finger toothbrush, but you must purchase a toothpaste (or gel) suitable for pets. Human toothpaste can contain chemicals that are toxic to animals. Plus, as your pet can’t spit the toothpaste out or rinse their mouth, they tend to prefer the meaty flavoured toothpaste options!

Try to introduce brushing your pet’s teeth at an early age and make it part of their routine – be aware it may take a few attempts to get your pet to comply! If after several attempts you have had no luck, there are other options available which our nurses can advise on in our free nurse clinics.

Your pet’s diet

There are pet food options available that have been specially formulated to clean your pet’s teeth as they eat. We find this can be a very good option for cats who are often more resistant to brushing! Again, our nurses can advise you on what is best for your pet.

Chewing is a fantastic way to naturally keep your pet’s teeth clean. Dental chews can play a big part in keeping dental disease at bay by breaking down the plaque and tartar between the teeth and gums. These chews are often high in calories so it’s important to make sure your pet is receiving them as part of a balanced diet. Our nurses will be able to advise you on calorie intake and levels of exercise so why not book one of our free nurse consultations? Chat to our team today.

Water additives for pets

There are water additives available that help to reduce the build-up of tartar and plaque – think mouthwash that your pet can swallow! There are lots of products available but our nursing team will be able to advise you on the best ones for your pet.

Visit our dental care page for more information on how Estcourt Vets can help keep your pet’s oral hygiene in tip-top condition.