fbpx

Check out our new merch today!

February 13, 2013

How To Keep Your Pet’s Smile Bright

Did you know that Febuary is Pet Dental Health Month?  Yeah, me neither.  I have a tough time tying my shoes, so keeping track of the ever growing number of themed-months is pretty much out of the question.  Nevertheless, keeping your pet’s pearly whites up to snuff

Did you know that Febuary is Pet Dental Health Month?  Yeah, me neither.  I have a tough time tying my shoes, so keeping track of the ever growing number of themed-months is pretty much out of the question.  Nevertheless, keeping your pet’s pearly whites up to snuff is extremely important – just ask Eko.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, dog blog

“Big Valentine’s date plans tomorrow, Will.  Can’t go smelling like dog food!”

I used to think that brushing your pet’s teeth was excessive, but my family’s first dog had serious dental issues in his senior years, so I know how important it is to keep those chompers in top shape.  I wish I could say I was better about it, but I try to include brushing Eko’s teeth on his weekly spa day where I brush his coat, trim his nails and give him a bath.

pet blog, pet teeth

The tools of the trade.  Some people prefer the hand brush, but I have found the finger brush is much more effective…as long as you don’t mind getting up close and personal!

Rhodesian Ridgeback, pet blog

The good news is that Eko loves the beef-flavored toothpaste, so he thinks it is a treat

Rhodesian Ridgeback, dog blog

To start, it is always a race to see if I can get the brush to Eko’s teeth before he can lick it off.  After that, things get…interesting 

Rhodesian Ridgeback, pet adventure

Eko’s “so this is awkward” face

Much as we people sit awkwardly in a dental chair, Eko has learned to just grimace a bit and deal with having my hand halfway in his mouth for a couple minutes.  Between brushing and intermittent cleanings at the vet, hopefully Eko’s teeth will be healthy for years and years to come!

Anyone have treats or tricks that they use to keep their pet’s teeth and gums healthy?

Comments for How To Keep Your Pet’s Smile Bright

  1. catchatcaren says:

    Ugh!!! Another blogger making me feel guilty!! I should be ashamed! I DID know that February is Pet Dental Health Month and I normally blog about it but this year, probably due to guilt, I haven’t!
    Dakota LOVES having his teeth brushed (which makes me feel even MORE guilty!) He will even “hold” the toothbrush in his paws!
    Our cat doesn’t love it and he has food allergies so since most pet toothpaste has chicken flavor in it (which he is allergic to) that is the excuse I use for him.
    I am too lazy and I need to start brushing at least Dakota’s teeth again PRONTO……or….well before his “wellness” exam this April!

  2. caitlin says:

    This is such a good post. Chick had to have five teeth pulled last summer, but she won’t let us get near her mouth. Maybe some beef toothpaste is the answer!

  3. emma says:

    We brush our teeth every night before bed and we look forward to it. Mom starts the day we move in with her, first the finger brush and then a real toothbrush. It just takes a few minutes to do my sister and I and we both have happy healthy chompers to show for it. My sister is 10 1/2 and just has some minor discoloration, nothing else. Neither of us has ever had the vet do a thing with our chompers. If only all humans could realize the importance of brushing a dogs teeth, not only for the dog’s health but it saves the owner lots of money in vet bills that could be better spent on dog treats 😉

  4. Marcela says:

    Great job Will. I brush Alex’s pearly whites every night. Actually, she reminds me by sitting and waiting for me to finish doing dishes. How could I possibly forget? Aside from brushing, I also get her Nylabones. These are pretty good as long as you supervise while they chew on it:)

  5. Duncanymama says:

    Well Eko. I found the best dental product for your mouth is Tropiclean fresh breath clean teeth gel (its green gel). It doesnt taste like much of anything actually. I also found that useing a piece o guaze on a human finger is good if dog wont tolerate tooff brush. Duncan doesnt mind brushing of teeth. I keep it a light and enjoyable activity.

  6. writetowag says:

    Great job guys and Eko, you are a true trooper!!!! Trev loves the chicken flavor. Eko, the fact I see you at the bathroom sink, ready for your brushing, is just too funny! You totally deserve a head pat and a big old belly rub!!!!

  7. what a great post about great dental care! Kirby and Poe also have a dental plan at home which consists of toothbrushes and toothpaste lol

  8. Jenny says:

    A Greenie a day keeps the dentist away! My vet is amazed at the condition of my 8 year old short-hair’s teeth. I’m broke now that I have 2 dogs, but it’s totally worth it. 🙂

  9. Boomdeeadda says:

    LOL, “so this is awkward face”…Will, you might tire of hearing it but I’m going to say it anyways..”you kill me” We have not been doing any dental stuff to the cats..Blossum might,,,,,might be ok but we would be scarred for life if we tried to do Petals

  10. Dawn says:

    Almost every dog Ive had has been a good chewer and didnt need teeth brushing. My dog Sephi had great teeth by the time she passed on. But when I got Pierson, a dog that likes to eat my other dogs poop and rabbit poop, I had to start brushing. He likes the taste too but doesnt care for the brushing part. Still, he is a good boy and lets me do it.

  11. We use a electric toothbrush and tooth paste with liver sausage ;o) But it’s difficult to get a good result. We had a bad experience with this toothbrushes which you can put on your finger – first it was painful for dad and later I nearly swallowed this thingy ;o)

  12. onebluedog says:

    I love that first picture! Eko looks like he is about to brush his own teeth 😀

    Mom brushes my teeth every night before bedtime and she puts some special Biotene enzyme stuff in our water 🙂 My kitties do not seem to enjoy teeth brushing so much as I do, so they get some special Biotene gel on their gums instead. They don’t seem so crazy about that either. And my bunny doesn’t need her teeth brushed; mom just has to check to make sure she’s wearing her teeth down evenly.

  13. Christine says:

    This is great information. My little Champ does not let me brush his teeth… He is quick on the licking the toothpaste…

    However I do give him lots is chew toys/bones to help keep his teeth clean. Just got h the nylabone and he loves it!!!

  14. lulu says:

    After working on consistency, finally ‘Every night teeth brushing’ became a habit. Yrs of brushing once or twice a wk is not productive and I had to scrape off on my own yrs of plaque n tartar accumulation to start a routine of brushing every night (cleaning at the vet would have been $200 for one dog I have two pooches). Now their ‘pearly whites’ are spotless bad bread is gone!!!!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow Us on Instagram

@markingourterritory