This is how to take care of your dog's or cat's teeth

Check the teeth

When plaque builds up, dogs and cats can develop dental problems just like humans. This can cause inflamed gums, which is not only painful, but can even cause teeth to fall out. So it is important to take good care of your dog or cat's teeth. For example, you can ask the vet to clean the teeth annually. There is also special pet toothpaste and snacks and food that the dog or cat can chew to clean its teeth.

If your dog or cat has smelly breath and brown deposits on its teeth, it is advisable to seek advice from a vet. Red gums can also indicate inflamed gums. A healthy dog or cat does not have bad breath, so this could be an indication that the teeth are not in order.

Learned young is done old

It is useful to start teaching your pup or kitten that it is normal for people to want to check its teeth from time to time. Build this up slowly, as it is not a natural behaviour for a young animal. For puppies and kittens, the process is more or less the same: first, gently touch the snout and reward the animal if it allows this. The next step is to regularly lift the lip briefly. Reward it if it allows this. If the puppy or kitten pulls back, take a step back and keep practising. Once he allows it, you can gently go over the teeth with a dog toothbrush. Once your puppy or kitten knows this 'trick', you can occasionally brush the teeth with special animal toothpaste.

Chewing is good for teeth

You can also save your dog or cat from plaque in a more fun way. For cats, there are chew toys available that help remove plaque. For dogs, there is a range of toys and chews that help remove plaque. It is advisable to get a dog chew made of rawhide rather than a 'real' bone. This is because bones can splinter, or they are so hard that the dog breaks its teeth on them. Make sure the dog does not swallow the last piece in one go. Do combine chewing with tooth brushing or a periodic check-up by the vet!