Tips for good oral hygiene

Feed at least some hard food, which will provide a cleaning action.  Prescription Diet T/D is available for both dogs and cats and can be used as a treat every day.

Hard food is also encouraged to help remove early soft plaque accumulation, but will not prevent the problem alone, no more than if you were to stop brushing your teeth and simply eat a piece of hard candy each day.

Have teeth examined at least once every year for tartar buildup. Pets vary considerably in the amount of tartar that accumulates. Have a dental prophy procedure performed when recommended by your veterinarian.

Other options include:

CET Chews are available for both dogs and cats. 

CET Aquadent is an easy way to help freshen your pets breath and maintain good oral hygiene after a dental prophy.

Oravet is a tasteless gel that is accepted well by the pet. It is simply rubbed on the teeth and gums with your finger.

Pet toothpaste is also available. Human toothpaste should not be used since it can be toxic if swallowed by the pet.  Don't worry about the tongue side of the teeth; the roughness of the pet's tongue will usually do an adequate cleaning job there. Most pets will accept a toothbrush if time is taken for the pet to get accustomed to it.

Preventive dental health will help save your pet's teeth, help avoid stress related problems caused by pain, and provide protection from liver, kidney, and heart disease which are the major killers of older pets.  Proper dental care at home is the most significant factor in preventing painful damage to your pet's teeth.  Regular dental examinations by your veterinarian can result in early diagnosis and timely treatment of most dental problems.

Our staff is professionally trained to clean, scale, and polish your pet's teeth.  We will examine your pet's mouth and then make the appropriate recommendations for therapy.

Good dental health for your pet is up to you!