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Brushing your pets teeth at home:

Brushing your pet's teeth can go a long way toward preventing dental disease. Some pets resist brushing, but most eventually accept it, especially if you start a brushing routine when your pet is young (10 weeks to 10 months). Aim at brushing your pets' teeth once a day or at least 3 times each week.

Step 1: Choose a pet toothpaste your pet likes (don't use human toothpaste or toothbrushes on your pet. Human toothpaste may be toxic if ingested by pets, and human toothbrushes are usually too big for their mouths). Place a small amount of toothpaste on your finger, and offer it to your pet daily for several days as a reward or treat. This will condition your pet to view brushing as fun and rewarding. Once your pet accepts toothpaste as a reward, use your index finger to simulate the brushing motion of a toothbrush, while praising the pet and giving the daily dose of flavored toothpaste.

Step 2: After five to seven days, introduce to your pet a soft-bristled pet toothbrush; you can apply a small amount of the flavored toothpaste to reinforce the conditioned behavior. Position the brush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth, make small circular motions beginning at the back of the pets' teeth moving forward and around to the other side. Eight to ten strokes are sufficient for each area. Learn More >

Look for these Warning Signs:

• A yellowish/brown crust of plaque on the teeth near gum line.
• Red and swollen gums.
• Pain or bleeding when you pet eats or when the mouth or gums are touched.
• Decrease appetite or difficulty eating.
• Loose or missing teeth.

If you pet displays any of these signs, serious periodontal disease may be present.

Note: You pet does not need to show any of these signs to be suffering from dental disease.