How to Keep Your Pet's Teeth Healthy: 6 Vet Tips, by Pet Circle on YouTube. 3 min 8 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 8 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Start by lifting your pet's lip and looking at the teeth and gums. Check for brown tartar, red gums or broken teeth, and book a vet check if anything looks sore.
Get your pet used to having its mouth touched. Rub a finger gently along the gums for a few seconds, then reward with praise or a treat.
Put a small amount of pet toothpaste on your finger or a finger brush. Let your pet lick it so the taste becomes familiar before you brush.
Brush the outer surfaces of the teeth in small circles, focusing on the back molars where plaque builds up most. Aim for daily brushing, or at least several times a week.
Never use human toothpaste, since fluoride and sweeteners are toxic to pets. Use a toothpaste made for dogs or cats and let them swallow it.
Add dental chews or chew toys to your pet's routine. Choose a size that suits your pet and supervise chewing so it cannot break off and choke.
Ask your vet about a dental diet or specially shaped kibble that scrubs the teeth as your pet eats. Transition to any new food slowly over about a week.
Book a professional dental check at least once a year. Your vet can scale tartar and catch gum disease early, before it causes pain or tooth loss.
Tips and common mistakes
Brush at the same time each day so your pet learns the routine and settles faster.
Stop and take a break if your pet struggles, then try again later with more treats.
Bad breath is often the first sign of dental disease, so mention it at your next vet visit.
Chews help but do not replace brushing, since they clean only part of the tooth surface.
Questions
How often should I brush my dog's teeth?
Daily brushing is best for preventing plaque and gum disease. If daily is too much, aim for at least three or four times a week.
Can I use human toothpaste on my pet?
No. Human toothpaste contains fluoride and sweeteners that are harmful to dogs and cats. Always use a toothpaste made for pets.
What are signs of dental disease in pets?
Watch for bad breath, brown tartar, red or bleeding gums, drooling and reluctance to eat hard food. A vet should check any of these.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
