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Brushing Up on Pet Dental Care: A Gentle Guide for a Pet Parent
by PetsDrugMart

When it comes to our pets’ overall wellness, we often focus on the essentials: nutrition, regular exercise, and routine veterinary checkups. However, one crucial element that’s frequently overlooked is oral hygiene. Just like us, pets are susceptible to dental issues such as plaque buildup, gum disease, and even cranial bone decay, many of which develop gradually over time and can lead to more serious health concerns if left unaddressed.

The good news is, most oral health issues in pets are highly preventable with the right tools and a consistent routine, especially if introduced early and consistently in your pet’s life. It’s never too late to start establishing an oral care routine, and it isn’t just about preventing disease. It also helps with behaviour and trust. Brushing your dog or cat’s teeth regularly helps them get used to the feeling, over time reducing anxiety and establishing familiarity with mouth handling.

Starting with the Basics of Pet Oral Care

Gentle, pet-specific tools are key to making the dental care experience positive. Using tools like the Virbac CET Dual Ended Toothbrush for dogs makes the process easier for you & less intimidating for your pet. The dual heads let you reach both small and large teeth comfortably, which is ideal for dogs at all stages of life. For cats, the Virbac CET Cat Toothbrush with Toothpaste Packet is designed with soft bristles and a pointed tuft that gets into tight spaces like the dorsal teeth without causing stress or discomfort.

Want to make toothbrushing time less of a struggle? Try a flavoured toothpaste made just for pets. The Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste comes in flavours like Rotisserie Chicken, London Broil, and Cheese, and it is the only toothpaste for dogs and cats accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Just brush with a pearl-sized drop for two minutes a day, and you’re on your way to healthier teeth and fresher breath. If a daily dental care routine isn’t feasible for you & your pet, it is still better to brush intermittently than to not brush at all!

When Brushing Isn’t an Option

That said, brushing your pet’s teeth isn’t always straightforward. Despite your best efforts, or even the right products, some pets simply won’t cooperate, no matter how early you start. If brushing feels like an impossible task in your household, you’re not alone. That’s where some alternative dental products can come in handy.

Start with something easier, like the Breathalyser Oral Cleansing Gel. Just dab it onto the upper and lower molars on each side of the mouth. It helps clean and freshen breath without the need for brushing.

Another low-effort option is the Maxi Guard Oral Cleansing Wipes. They are taste-free, making them ideal for picky pets and great for gently wiping away plaque during a quiet cuddle session.

These alternatives are especially useful for pets who are still warming up to more involved dental routines, and they can be used daily or in between to regular brushing.

Make It a Treat

Not every oral care moment has to feel like a chore. Incorporating oral care into treat time is another smart and stress-free approach for you and your cat or dog. The DentaPro Premium Oral Care Chews for dogs, made with Digest Eeze Technology and real beef, are designed to reduce plaque as your dog chews

For cats, we recommend Animora Cranberry Dental Sticks, which fight plaque and tartar with hypoallergenic ingredients. For pets who love a good snack, dental chews are a seamless, stress-free way to support their dental health.

Small Steps, Lasting Benefits

Ultimately, what matters most to achieving dental health is consistency, patience, and careful monitoring. Whether you’re brushing, using wipes or gels, or offering a dental chew, every small effort supports your pet’s comfort, helps prevent more serious dental issues, and contributes to their long-term well-being. If your pet has persistent bad breath or shows any signs of pain or discomfort when chewing, we recommend you see your vet for more guidance.

A healthy smile for pets and people alike starts with everyday habits, built one gentle step at a time! If you would like some guidance, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us! Our customer care team is here to support with your pets’ care, supplementation, and pharmaceutical needs.