Home Vet Dental Care

Home dental care preventative options for your dog and cat.

An at-home dental healthcare program is important to maintain the health of your pet’s teeth and help prevent future periodontal disease.  Here are recommendations for an ideal home care program (in order of importance):

1. Brushing – Brushing your pet’s teeth is the single best way to help prevent dental disease. Daily brushing is best!  It is usually very easy and fun if your pet is appropriately conditioned to this procedure. First pick a soft-bristled, or finger toothbrush. Next, get toothpaste from your veterinarian. Do not use human toothpaste because it has detergents that should not be swallowed.

When starting to work on brushing your pet’s teeth, remember to treat them with a high-value treat after they have accepted each handling step!  Also, consider doing their brushing prior to a meal so they start to associate the fact that they had their face/mouth touched and then received a treat and dinner.

2. OraVet Sealant – Weekly application of a waxy-like substance that helps to prevent plaque accumulation. For many people, it is easier to apply this with your finger instead of the application tip.

3. Dental Diet – Specific diets are available if your pet doesn’t have any dietary restrictions. They are available by veterinary prescription.  This can be used as a sole diet or works really well as treats!  Please let us know if you are interested in a sample of the two we recommend: Hills T/D and Purina D/H.
4. Other Dental Items – A variety of dental chews, sprays, or water additives are also available at your local pet store. Please pick Veterinary Oral Health Council accepted products by viewing their list at www.vohc.org.