7 Pet Dental Care Tips: How to Keep Cat & Dog Teeth Clean

An estimated 50% of US adults have periodontal disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So it stands to reason that our cats and dogs may have similar risks. The foods we choose and how we care for our furry friends' teeth matters. These 7 tips will take some of the mystery and work out of pet dental care. Find out how to keep dog teeth clean.

1. Professional Dog or Cat Dental Cleaning

You understand the importance of regular visits to the dentist for your own oral health. Like humans, they will get periodontal disease and painful gingivitis without proper dental care. While a toothless dog or cat may be rare in the wild, keep in mind that dogs and cats in our homes have much longer lifespans. They are more likely to develop these diseases versus the many perils that wild animals must fear.

A regular dental checkup and cleaning are important. That's how to keep dog teeth clean. But cat and dog dental care starts with what you do at home, which leads us to our next tip.

2. Start Young with a Teeth Brushing Regimen

We can't emphasize enough the importance of brushing your dog's teeth. And your cat needs a good brushing too.

For best results, start early within the first several months of life when their unconditional love for you tells them that you must be doing this because you care. Your dog doesn't know how to keep dog teeth clean. But you do.

If you didn't start brushing their teeth during puppy- and kittenhood, they will hate having a foreign object forced into the mouth. Wouldn't you? But don't despair if you didn't brush the tiny teeth of that little bundle of joy. Here's how to brush dogs teeth. And the method works for cats too.

1. Know that it's all about training. In the same way you trained your dog to stay off the sofa or your cat to use the litter box, teeth brushing is a matter of training. Follow all the rules of effective training. Start slow. Show lots of love. Reward good behavior. Be patient. Give it some time.
2. Get a toothpaste they like. Never use human toothpaste on your dog or cat's teeth. The tingling mint sensation you love may not have the same effect on your furry friends.
3. Start with your finger. It's much less threatening than a brush. Wrap it in gauze and slather a tiny amount of toothpaste on it. Work your way up to a brush and normal toothpaste quantity.

With some patience, you can learn how to brush your dog's or cat's teeth. But we know what your next question will be, especially with cats who are notoriously hard to train.

Are there alternatives to brushing cats teeth? You're in luck. While tooth brushing is best, you do have other options to explore.

3. Give Them the Right Kind of Treat

The American Kennel Club recommends dog treats because dogs actually like them. Since your dog or cat likes them, it's easier to keep up a routine.

When it comes to the best dental chews for dogs, we'll look for a lot of the same things that we may look for in our own food.

• Grain-free
• Gluten-free
• Certified Organic

As a general rule, treats should mimic the natural diets of dogs and cats in the wild. Dog and cat teeth cleaning treats will be animal product based like bison scapula for dogs or salmon dental cat chews.

4. Dog Toothbrush Toy

One of the best pet dog dental products ever invented is the dog toothbrush toy. They're all the cleaning without the calories. Dogs naturally like to gnaw. Dog toothbrush toys are specifically designed to help them get the most out of the normal behavior, massaging the gums, removing plaque and generally improving oral health.

5. Use a Cat or Dog Dental Spray

Want to know how to keep cats teeth clean without brushing? Use a cat or dog dental spray. They do more than freshen breath. Today's dental sprays can loosen tartar to ease brushing or to allow more to be removed with dog and cat dental toys and treats.

6. Try a Natural Solution

Studies show many potential health benefits of CBD oil for humans and other mammals like cats and dogs. But could it also help battle gum disease in dogs and cats? Hemp CBD products may do this in several ways.

Studies have shown that CBD may reduce inflammatory properties of gingivitis-causing bacteria. It may also reduce general inflammation. It could additionally reduce the level of pain to improve function. While not many studies have been performed on cats, scientists have completed several studies with pet dogs. These studies concluded that CBD is both safe and effective on dogs.

7. Keep Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaner from the Start

Cleaning teeth is one thing. But you can also take steps to reduce tartar buildup and gingivitis. This is how to keep cat and dog teeth cleaner over a lifetime. To do this, avoid giving your buddy table scraps or poor quality food.

When looking for the best dog food and best cat food for dental health, apply the same high standards to their everyday regular food and dog or cat dental treats.

Pet Dental Care and More

Pet dental care starts at home. The best dog and cat treats are ones that they enjoy but are also good for their health. To find these kinds of high-quality treats, shop at King Duke's.