Dental care is EXTREMELY important for both you and your pet. It helps to prevent the need for frequent cleanings as well as health problems such as gingivitis – tooth decay – loss – and Kidney Failure associated with Dental Disease. Bacteria in the mouth and on the teeth easily migrate into the blood stream and can negatively affect your pet’s kidneys – heart and liver. Periodontal disease is PREVENTABLE with routine cleanings and routine preventative measures performed at home. Here are some ways you can help
PREVENT Dental Disease in your pet
- Our first recommendation is starting your pet on OXYFRESH – it is an easier – less time –consuming method of preventing Tartar buildup and bad breath – In addition to preventing new tartar from forming – OXYFRESH bonds to tartar and breaks it off the teeth. Simply lift up their lips and spray it on the teeth every night until Tartar is gone – Than you can decrease to 2 – 3 times a week; Like most products – OXYFRESH is most effective if used daily – but using it a couple of times a week is better than none at all.
- You can also treat your dog or cat to Dental Chews – For dogs – we recommend CET HEXTRA CHEWS.
- They have enzymes that are in toothpaste built into the chew as well as an antibacterial agent – Chlorhexidine Gluconate – These help to scrape tartar and plaque off the teeth and rid the mouth of bacteria
- If you purchase chews from a local pet store – please keep in mind that they must be “enzymatic” to be effective.
- And lastly – but possibly the most important aspect to Dental Care – We recommend you try brushing your pet’s teeth at least three times a week – You can buy toothpaste and toothbrushes here or at a local pet store – We know it can be difficult to brush your pet’s teeth so here are a few ideas that may help you be more successful in performing this task:
- Always put your pet someplace where they are NOT alone – such as a bathtub, table or counter
- ALWAYS use a VERY soft bristled brush or finger brush – You can even start out by using your finger for the first few brushings to help your pet get used to the experience and the toothpaste
- Do NOT use Human toothpaste – It contains Soap and Other ingredients that should NOT be swallowed
- These ingredients could make your pet ill
- Use pet toothpaste – We sell three flavors of the CET Toothpaste – or you may make your own toothpaste from equal parts of salt and baking soda – Simply place the “Toothpaste” on a wet toothbrush or soft cloth
- Brush with a circular motion along the gum line and both the insides and outsides of their teeth
- Be sure to feed your pet a special crunchy treat or dog food after brushing – Rewards for good behavior will help your pet understand that brushing is fun and should be done as often as possible
- Try feeding dry crunchy food and treats – These will help to scrape plaque off the teeth
- Every dog and cat are different and some are more prone to dental disease than others – Therefore periodic dental exams and regular cleanings are important to maintain your pet’s good health
