News You Can Use
How to Brush your Dog ' s Teeth
by Cheyenne Pratt, Technician, Calico Creek Veterinary Clinic
Last month’ s article highlighted periodontal disease and the importance of our pet’ s oral health. This article will give detailed tips on HOW to brush your pet’ s teeth. Home dental care is just as important as vet cleanings. If possible, start brushing your pet’ s teeth at a young age. Whether a puppy / kitten or an adult, it will be a process that requires practice and consistency. Make brushing their teeth a positive experience for both of you and over time, your pet will anticipate and enjoy it.
The first step of the dental routine is choosing a toothbrush and paste. Use a pet friendly toothpaste- do not use human toothpaste, as it contains ingredients that are harmful to dogs and cats. There are two types of toothbrushes designed for pets. One looks similar to our toothbrush, but is designed for a dog / cat mouth, and the other is a brush worn on the tip of the finger. Finger brushes work well for beginners but may be difficult to reach little spaces in smaller pet’ s mouths. * Start with simple lip / gum massages to get your pet comfortable with you touching their mouth. * Once your pet is used to the massages, add a small amount of toothpaste to the tip of your finger and let them taste it. Offer praise and encouragement so your pet associates this with positivity. * Now you’ re ready for the toothbrush. Allow your pet to investigate it before you start brushing. Add paste and let them lick it off. Gently touch the bristles to the outer surface of the teeth. Praise your pet and give them a treat. This process could take several days or weeks.
When your pet is fully comfortable with the toothbrush in their mouth, start brushing! Focus on the outer surface of the teeth, where periodontal disease usually occurs. Plaque and tarter accumulate quickly on the canine teeth( four long pointed teeth on the top and bottom jaw) and the large cheek teeth. When brushing, hold the toothbrush at an angle and brush in small circles. Brush each side for about 30 seconds. Dog and cat mouths are full of bacteria so wear gloves or wash your hands well when you’ re done. Use a different toothbrush for each pet and replace them every 3 months.
Plaque forms in 24-48 hours so in order to prevent dental disease, you need to brush your pet’ s teeth daily, or a minimum of 3-4 times weekly. If your pet will not tolerate brushing, ask your vet about other options, such as dental treats, toys, gels or additives. Although not as effective as brushing, they may provide some benefit.
Around The Hydrant:
News You Can Use
Recalls:
Gold Star Distribution of Minnesota: Issued a voluntary recall of various brands of pet foods, due to potential contamination, including Salmonella. For complete list- dogadvisor. com. Info: 612-617- 9800.( 12 / 26 / 25)
Consumer Supply Distributing, LLC of Iowa: Recalling Country Vet & Heartland Harvest Dog Biscuits for possible Salmonella contamination. Info: 712-202-5609.( 12 / 24 / 25)
Fromm Family Foods of Wisconsin: Recalling one lot of its Bonnihill Farms BeefiBowls Beef Recipe frozen dog food, due to potential plastic contamination. Info: 1-800-325-6331.( 12 / 3 / 25)
Raw Bistro Pet Fare of Cannon Falls, Minnesota: Recalling select lots of its Grass-Fed Beef Entrée frozen dog food, because of possible contamination with Salmonella. Info: 507-291-3153.( 10 / 10 / 25)
Foodynamics of Wisconsin- Recalling Raw Dog Barkery, BellePepper Cats, and Kanu Pets brands- Chicken Hearts and Chicken Heart Slices freezedried treats, because of potential Salmonella contamination. Info: 262-421-5339.( 10 / 9 / 25)
Buy Bones Inc. of Mount Morris, Michigan: Nature ' s Own Pet Chews Bully Bites, due to possible Salmonella contamination. Info: 810-687-2106.( 10 / 7 / 25)
Source: dogfoodadvisor. com, amva. org
Calico Creek Veterinary Clinic Dogs- Cats- Ferrets- Pocket Pets
Medical • Dental • Surgical
• Radiology Now offering Acupuncture for your Pets!
570-726-3045
We Accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Debit, Cash, and Personal Checks with Photo I. D.
4
Pawsitively Pets-- March 2967 Eagle Valley Road, Rt. 150, Mill Hall