You & your pet

BRUSH STROKES

Minty fresh… that’s what we want to be saying when our furry friends come in for a kiss!

Let’s talk about pet dental hygiene, or lack of, with only two per cent of dog owners actually brushing their dog’s teeth. The thought of cleaning your pet’s teeth can be a little daunting. Where do I even start? What tools do I use? And possibly most importantly: will my pet allow me to get deep inside its mouth? These questions pass through most pets owners minds but with a little help, it’s not as bad as it seems.

All you need are the right tools and a little patience. The best time to introduce brushing is when your dog is a pup, this is the easiest stage to make it part of their daily routine but of course, not everyone has a young pup. A lot of older dogs have gone through their lives not having their teeth cleaned so introducing something new into their routine may need a little time.

PetPlace has a selection of different products to make the process of brushing their teeth run smoothly. To make your pet feel safe and comfortable, brushing in an area of the home where they feel safe will make it easier for both you and your pet. Why not have their favourite toy or blanket on hand, this should reassure them.

Always use a toothpaste that has been made specifically for dogs, human toothpaste can be highly toxic if your dog ingests it. Make your dog aware of the tools you are going to be using by allowing them to see and taste, this way it won’t feel threatening when it comes to brushing.

Not every dog will take to having their teeth brushed, this doesn’t mean your dog won’t have a big bright smile, dental chews are another way to get that mouth clean. Although they won’t have the exact same effect as a toothbrush, they can still help to maintain a healthy mouth. Dental chews can also be used alongside a doggie toothbrush for that extra clean. Some signs of dental issues within dogs are discolouration of the teeth, red or swollen gums, fractured or missing teeth and bad breath. If your dog has any of these symptoms it might be time to contact your local vet for some advice, they can also perform a professional clean where they will assess your dog’s teeth, removing plaque, tarter or any irreversible damage which will result in a much happier and healthier dog.

Cats are another family favourite that also need their teeth looked after. Like dogs, it is a lot easier to introduce dental hygiene into their lives at a young age following a similar process.

If you have a rabbit, unlike both cats and dogs they do not need a toothbrush or paste to keep their teeth healthy. Making sure they eat a well-balanced diet full of nutrition will avoid rabbits running into dental issues.

Once a rabbit has lost its baby teeth, in theory, the teeth that follow should last them a lifetime.

If you have any concerns about your pets oral hygiene, call your local vet for some advice and get your furry family member booked in for a check-up. If you need any advice on dental products, be sure to contact any of our stores and chat with a member of our team. n

Ashlee is the Social Media and Marketing Assistant at petplace. Animal obsessed, she has a fondness for all living things and the environment using her creativity to build awareness. If you follow petplace on social media you will no doubt have interacted with Ashlee, she loves engaging with their customers and, most importantly, seeing all your wonderful pets.