25190 SR 2 South Bend, IN 46619 (574) 234-3098
www.westernvet.com

Home Dental Care

Home dental care is extremely important in maintaining your pet’s oral health. Not brushing your pet’s teeth eventually leads to periodontal disease, the most common dental disease in dogs and cats. Untreated, periodontal disease can contribute to the early death of your pet. Brushing your pet’s teeth is not difficult or time consuming if it is done at a convenient time. It is important to be patient and move slowly and gently.

Begin by holding your pet as you do when you are petting it, then stroke the outside of its cheeks for 1-2 minutes. When your pet is comfortable with this (a few days), put a small amount of pet toothpaste (never use human toothpaste or baking soda) on your finger, and let your pet taste it. Do each of these steps together a few days. Then put the toothpaste on gauze, a fingerbrush, or toothbrush and gently massage the junction of the gum and tooth at a 450 angle in a circular motion. As your pet becomes more comfortable with this, increase the number of teeth being brushed. Follow the same pattern each day. Build up to approximately 30 seconds on each side of your pet’s mouth.

There is also a wonderful product called Oxyfresh which consists of a solution that you add to your pet's drinking water and a gel that your rub directly on their teeth. Please as us about this product at your next visit, call us at (574) 234-3098, or send us an e-mail.

End each session with an appropriate treat and a lot of praise. Remember…

Good dental health adds life to your pet’s years and years to your pet’s life!!