Veterinary Help

Much like in humans, pets such as dogs or cats can both suffer from bad breath as a result of a buildup of plaque. In more serious conditions, a pet can develop gingivitis, which can lead to further health problems. In order to prevent both bad breath and any other serious conditions that can result due to bacteria, it is important for all pet owners to understand how to brush their pet’s teeth.

Although it can be tricky at first to learn how to brush your pet’s teeth, it is not a perfect science and therefore just requires practice. Ideally, after a few weeks of learning the basics this should become an every day ritual. The first step to begin working towards a healthy set of teeth and gums is to first have your local veterinarian check your pet’s teeth. If your dog already has gum disease or a broken or chipped tooth, brushing can cause irritation teaching your dog that this is an unpleasant processes.

Before you begin the process of brushing, it is a good idea to place the toothbrush in your pet’s mouth for a brief period. Then, remove it, praise and reward your pet and then put it away for the day. After several days of this, your pet will become used to having a foreign object in their mouth and associate it as something pleasurable because of the rewards.

One thing to make sure as trivial as it may seem is to make sure to purchase a set of toothbrush and toothpaste that is clearly designed for pets. Most local pet stores will have several options and if not, your vet can provide you with one.  Many pet owners have attempted to use human dental products on their pet which can cause both irritation and sickness in animals. It is very important to have toothpaste that is specifically formulated for cats and/or dogs. Despite all your efforts to find the appropriate products for your pet, they may still find the whole process uncomfortable and repudiate your attempts to brush their teeth with a typical toothbrush. However, there are other options such as finger toothbrushes which can also be obtained from a local pet store, if this also fails speak with your vet about other alternatives.

In order to alleviate any pain or discomfort while brushing your pet’s teeth make sure you take into account a few simple steps for optimal comfort. First make sure your pet is on a clean surface that they are used to. Already, this will make them less nervous. Also, try not to be forceful when brushing their teeth. This is especially true in cats because of their sensitivity to water. Cats do not like feeling constricted and by holding them too tight will make them feel claustrophobic.

In order to train your dog to like or at least withstand the brushing, make sure you are very soothing and kind on them, and use an easy circular motion much like as if you were brushing your own teeth. Afterwards make sure to reward them with some sort of greenie which is a treat that has tartar-control in it. Also, with a new puppy it is a good idea to begin this as soon as he is brought home. That way it will become a natural daily process for him. It is also a good idea to have your pet undergo a yearly dental cleaning at the vet once the dog or cat reaches the age of 3.

If you notice bad breath still persists, keep an eye out for any dental abnormalities during brushing. Often times an abscessed tooth can be the reason behind bad breath and requires the assistance of a veterinarian to fix. Some pet stores also sell dog and cat formulated mouthwash which like the toothpaste is supposed to decrease plaque and tartar buildup. If after all these attempts you still find your pet’s breath to be troublesome begin to look at their diet. Often times, canned pet food can be a catalyst for bad breath if it is the sole element in a cat or dogs diet. The solution is to substitute any soft canned food diets with dry food as well if at all possible. In some rare cases due to gum diseases or old age, soft food is the only option.

Finally, in very rare cases bad breath in cats and dogs can be caused by gastrointestinal diseases. Naturally, if you have any reason to believe this is the cause, contact your local vet.

There are plenty of urban myths in the world about how to best brush your pet’s teeth and cure their bad breath most of which are false. Try and avoid any tartar reducing treats unless bought directly from a pet store or vet. Many families have tried to feed their dogs carrots with peanut butter to remove plaque, however, because of the buildup of peanut butter can actually cause intestinal problems in rare cases and is not advised. The best tips are just making sure your vet includes a dental exam and teeth cleaning during your pet’s regular checkup and learning how to effectively brush their teeth. Also, some pet foods and chew toys can help reduce cavities in dogs and remove some tartar buildup.

One thing to be aware of is food or drink additives with a goal of covering up bad breath. These products can often also hide the smell of stools which can be an indication of a sick cat.  However, with dogs a simple drop of lemon juice in their water easily wipes away bad breath in certain breeds of dogs, as long as there is no sugar in the juice.

Although curing bad breath and brushing your pet’s teeth may seem like easy tasks to complete, they both take time and energy. However, if you follow the right steps and try a few methods, you should find one that works. Once again, if none of these methods seem to work, make sure you contact your local vet to check for any potential mouth or gum diseases.