Creating a Dental Care Routine for Your New Puppy or Kitten

06 Dec Creating a Dental Care Routine for Your New Puppy or Kitten

Creating a dental care routine for your new puppy or kitten is essential for ensuring their long-term health. Just like humans, pets need proper oral hygiene to avoid dental problems, such as plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. A simple question we must ask is, “What would our teeth look like if we weeks, months or years without brushing our teeth and never going to a dentist?” 

Establishing a Dental Care Routine for Pets

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you establish a dental care routine for your furry friend.

1. Start Early

• When to Begin: Begin a dental care routine for your pets as soon as possible, ideally when your pet is still a puppy or kitten. Early exposure to tooth brushing and dental care products can help your pet get used to the process. It is best to get the puppy or kitten accustomed to having their mouth handled and worked with. This can start by letting them lick toothpaste off your fingers and then a soft bristle brush made for dogs and cats. 
• Age Considerations: If your pet is older and has never had their teeth brushed, you may need to be more patient and gentle as they adjust.

2. Introduce Tooth Brushing

• Brushing Frequency: Aim to brush your pet’s teeth at least 3 times a week, but daily brushing is ideal. Brushing 3 times a week will only delay the onset of periodontal disease, while daily brushing will most often stop its onset. 
• Tools Needed:
  • Pet Toothbrush: Get a toothbrush specifically designed for pets. These usually have softer bristles and a design that fits comfortably in your pet’s mouth.
  • Pet Toothpaste: Never use human toothpaste, as it contains fluoride, which is toxic to pets. Look for pet-safe toothpaste in flavors like poultry or peanut butter, which will appeal to your pet’s taste buds. Most veterinarians stock these products at their clinics. 
• How to Brush:

1. 1. Get Them Used to Handling: Gently rub your fingers along your pet’s gums and teeth before introducing the toothbrush. This will help your pet get used to the sensation of having their mouth handled.
   2. Apply Toothpaste: Put a small amount of pet toothpaste on the toothbrush.
   3. Brush Gently: Start brushing gently back and forth, focusing on the gum line and the back teeth, where plaque tends to accumulate. Aim for 2–3 minutes of brushing.
   4. Positive Reinforcement: To make the brushing experience positive, give lots of praise and maybe a treat. The goal is always to make this a positive experience for the pet. No one wants toothbrushing to turn into a “rodeo.” 
   5. Brush At The Same Time Each Day: Pets are often creatures of habit and routine. If toothbrushing has been a positive event for them and it takes place at the same time each day, they will start to remind the owner to brush their teeth. 

3. Dental Chews and Toys

• Dental Chews: Provide your puppy or kitten with dental chews that help reduce plaque buildup. There are many types available, such as rawhide alternatives or specially designed chews made for dental health.
• Toys: Rubber or silicone toys that help clean teeth while your pet plays can be a fun way to support oral hygiene. Look for toys labeled as dental-friendly. It is vital that these chews and treats are not so hard that they will possibly crack or fracture a tooth. They need to be soft and pliable. It is also very important to note that dental treats and toys can never take the place of brushing your pet’s teeth. 

4. Offer a Healthy Diet

• Dry Food vs. Wet Food: While wet food is convenient, dry food can help scrape plaque off your pet’s teeth as they chew. If you feed wet food, consider supplementing with dry food or dental treats to help keep their teeth clean. However, wet food may often be a better overall alternative for our feline friends since it will help their urinary health more than dry kibble. Always consult with your veterinarian regarding the best diet for your pet’s health. 
• Dental-Specific Food: Some pet foods are specifically formulated to promote dental health. These foods often have larger kibble sizes that help clean teeth as the pet chews. They also may contain ingredients that will keep plaque from mineralizing into calculus on the surface of a tooth. 

5. Regular Veterinary Check-ups

• Professional Dental Cleanings: Even with home care, your pet will need professional dental cleanings from the vet periodically. Depending on your pet’s breed, age, and health status, your vet may recommend cleanings as often as once a year, if not more frequently. Current recommendations for human oral care is to have our teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months. This is while we are brushing our teeth multiple times each day. How important is it then to have regular cleanings for our pets at least annually. 
• Signs of Dental Issues: Watch for signs of dental problems, such as bad breath, swollen or bleeding gums, difficulty eating, or yellow or brown tartar buildup. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian. However, many pets will never show obvious signs of dental pain, but this does not mean they are not in pain. It goes against their instincts to show outward signs of pain, such as not eating or eating less, since their survival instincts to eat are so strong. 

6. Dental Water Additives

• Water Additives: There are dental water additives you can add to your pet’s drinking water that help reduce plaque and freshen breath. These are often an easy way to supplement brushing and promote oral health, especially if your pet resists brushing. While these products may help reduce plaque, they will never take the place of brushing and regular dental cleanings by your veterinarian. 

7. Consider Dental Insurance

• If you’re concerned about the cost of dental care in the future, consider a pet insurance plan that includes dental coverage. This can help offset the cost of cleanings and treatments for dental issues. Health insurance for pets has been a huge aid in providing pets with the oral healthcare they need. 

8. Monitor Their Oral Health

• Regular Inspections: Periodically check your pet’s mouth for signs of problems. Look for inflamed or bleeding gums, excessive drooling, or yellow or brown discoloration on the teeth. These can be signs of a buildup of plaque or gingivitis.
• Check Their Breath: Persistent bad breath can be a sign of dental disease. If you notice a strong, foul odor, consult with your vet.

9. Be Patient and Consistent

• Routine is Key: Establishing a dental care routine for pets takes time. Be patient and consistent, rewarding your pet after each session, so they associate it with something positive.
• Don’t Force It: If your pet resists tooth brushing, start slow. You can try using a gauze pad or your finger wrapped in a pet-safe wipe to clean their teeth before progressing to a toothbrush.
• Ask Your Veterinarian: Some pets actually should not have their teeth brushed immediately. This is true when they have established dental disease and toothbrushing may be a painful event for them. Ask your veterinarian if now is the right time to start brushing your pets teeth. 

Conclusion

Building a solid dental care routine for your pets, whether a new puppy or kitten, is essential for preventing future dental problems and ensuring their overall health. Start early with tooth brushing, offer appropriate chews and toys, maintain regular veterinary visits, and be consistent with home care. Over time, your pet will get used to the routine, and it will become a normal part of their care, helping to keep their teeth and gums healthy throughout their life. Contact us at Animal Dental Care & Oral Surgery for any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment.

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/6/2024) Image by Adam from Pixabay