Dental Tips for Pets

By Morieka Johnson, MNN

Q: I just dropped a few hundred dollars to get my puppy’s teeth cleaned at the vet and just don’t understand why the procedure costs so much. Our vet also wants us to do more home maintenance. Aren’t the chew toys enough? Where do I find dental stuff for dogs?

A: My dental visits typically involve a lengthy tooth cleaning and a solemn lecture on the importance of flossing. Each visit, I vow to change my wicked ways, and offer a few feeble excuses as to how I managed to fall off the wagon once again.

“It’s OK,” my hygienist always says, scheduling the next appointment. “You keep us in business.”

5 Pet Health Myths

Nothing truly changes behavior like a punch in the pocketbook. In addition to sky-high dental bills, poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease, tooth loss and even heart disease — and these issues are not limited to people. Pets also risk a shorter life span when dental care lapses. My goal from now on is shorter dental visits for me and my dog Lulu. Here are a few essentials that will help you save time and money caring for your pet’s pearly whites.

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Read more: Cats, Dogs, Everyday Pet Care, Pets

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Fred H.

12:51PM PST on Feb 12, 2013

Thank you Megan, for Sharing this!

February 12
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jane a.

12:52PM PST on Mar 8, 2012

part two:

try to avoid making gums bleed, as this can affect a cat with heart problems.

March 8
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12:51PM PST on Mar 8, 2012

I got tired of spending hundreds to have my cats teeth cleaned, let alone the stress and danger factor with anesthetics.

Daily, I flick the tartar off of at least one of my cat' teeth. After you get all the hard stuff off, what you will get is a liquidy white substance, the beginnings of tartar.

I did this for two years, and for the first time, my cats got a clean bill of health re their teeth at their last check up. Try to avoid making g

Mary Beth M.

12:52PM PST on Feb 7, 2012

Wow. With 4 kids, 2 dogs and 3 cats, I consider it a good day when I brush and floss my own teeth.

February 7
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Betty C.

1:27AM PDT on Oct 12, 2011

Thanks

October 12
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Michele W.

11:37AM PDT on Aug 24, 2011

Thank you

August 24
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Past Member .

11:17AM PDT on Aug 23, 2011

Interesting

August 23
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11:46PM PDT on Aug 22, 2011

It is possible to brush some cats' teeth, but generally you have to start early or use the suggestion of starting off with a washcloth or gauze around your finger. I suppose some cats and dogs will downright refuse. Also, cats jaws hinge differently and it can be uncomfortable for them to have even a small toothbrush in certain spots, so you have to exercise some care. You can get little finger brushes which might be easier. Vets charge hundreds and hundreds for cleanings and there's always one in the bunch who ends up having to go.
My cat is better than my dog, but it's been hard to find the paste I use without allergens so I've been remiss. : (