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Taking care of your pet's teeth will help them stay healthy into their senior years—but many pet parents struggle with their dog or cat's dental routine. (Raising my hand here.) Nearly 70% of cats and 80% of dogs have some level of periodontal disease by age two.
We all want to avoid our four-legged companions becoming part of that startling number. But what's the best way? Should you brush your pet's teeth? Give them special dental chews? Shell out for professional oral cleanings? Here's what to know to make the choice that's right for you.
Why you should care about your pet's teeth
Keeping your dog or cat's pearly whites in shape has ripple effects on overall wellbeing. Some obvious benefits include preventing painful gum disease, avoiding the need to extract decaying teeth in expensive procedures (which also limits your pet's ability to chew hard food), and even minimizing the risk of systemic health problems like heart and kidney disease.
A less discussed—but no less valuable—impact is the ability for your pet to eat treats of various shapes and textures without discomfort throughout their whole life. This makes food-based training easier and allows you to explore various forms of meal enrichment!
Ways to take care of your dog or cat's teeth
- Brush their teeth: Brushing your pet’s teeth is one of the most effective ways to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Aim for one to three times a week. (As long as you're gentle, it's impossible to really overdo it—but don't feel bad if it's not a daily routine.) Use pet-safe toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. Most pet stores, vet clinics, and online retailers like Chewy have complete tooth brushing starter kits for sale.
- Use dental wipes: The texture of a dental wipe wipe acts as a gentle abrasive to clean your pet's teeth. Many wipes are also infused with antibacterial or antimicrobial agents to help kill bacteria.
- Offer your dog dental chews and toys: Dental chews and toys can help keep your pet's teeth clean. Make sure they're designed specifically for animals, and consider if they're safe for your individual companion's size and chewing habits. (Err on the side of caution with dogs who are "super chewers". You don't want them to break a tooth on a chew you meant to improve their dental health!)
- Give your pup dental treats or food toppers: Some pet foods and treats are designed to promote oral health by reducing tartar buildup. In recent years, dental powders have become particularly popular meal toppers for dogs and cats alike.
- Get professional dental cleanings: This is the most thorough way to ensure your pet's teeth are in good shape. Professional teeth cleanings usually require anesthesia so veterinarians can fully examine your dog or cat's mouth.
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Differences between dog and cat dental care
- Dogs have 42 teeth. Cats have 30. (For the curious, humans have 32!)
- Cats are especially prone to resorptive lesions. This is a painful problem where a tooth breaks down and decays, affecting up to 60% of all cats.
- While every animal is an individual, felines tend to be more sensitive to having their teeth handled than dogs. This can make brushing a challenge—and with lower food and toy drive, it can be harder to both train cats to tolerate the process and convince them to embrace dental treats and toys. Regular vet visits and professional cleanings are especially vital for maintaining your cat's oral health.
How do you decide what pet tooth care options are right for you?
You don't have to pick just one. For the overachievers among us, all of these dental care options can be done together for a complete routine! If that sounds like too much, though, you're not alone. Something is better than nothing. (Personally, we brush my cattle dog's teeth only rarely—but she often chews non-weight-bearing meaty bones. At our last wellness visit our vet said her teeth look great for her estimated age! We'll get her in for a professional dental cleaning soon.)
You might brush your pet's teeth if...
- They tolerate the process well (taking the time to slowly get them used to it—and build a positive association with treats or play—can do wonders)
- You want to be hands-on with their dental care
- They aren't a good candidate for harder chews
You might use dental wipes if...
- Your pet has an easier time with a quick wipe than a longer brushing process
You might prefer dental chews if...
- Your dog or cat struggles with teeth brushing but you still want to do something for their dental health
- Your canine or feline companion finds chewing fulfilling!
You might give dental treats and toppers if...
- Your pet's teeth are in good shape to start with
- Your dog or cat struggles with teeth brushing but you still want to do something for their dental health
- You find dental treats and food toppers easy to work into your existing routine
You might get professional dental cleanings if...
- You have the financial means to pay for them
- Your dog or cat is healthy and able to undergo general anesthesia
- You want to make sure you catch any tooth problems early to avoid potential extractions later on
Signs your dog or cat is having problems with their teeth
Watch for bad breath, yellow or brown teeth, inflamed gums, difficulty eating, drooling, or pawing at the mouth. If you notice any of these symptoms—and they don't resolve on their own? Get in touch with your vet.