You gave it a good shot, but it’s time to ditch the flavored toothpaste and your variety of different brushes. Our team knows how stressful it is to keep up with your furry friend’s dental health. Try one or more of these at-home dental options to support their dental health.

#1: Dental treats and chews

If your pet turns up their nose at toothbrushing, entice them with treats and chews. Search for dental products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), as these have demonstrated their ability to slow plaque and tartar accumulation. When searching for the perfect chew for your pet, avoid items that are too hard since they can lead to tooth fractures. Leave antlers, hooves, and bones on the shelf, and choose special dental care treats instead. 

#2: Food and water additives

Liquid additives for water can help reduce the bacterial load in your pet’s mouth, which is the main cause of dental disease. Food additives are generally in powder form, and their enzymes gently scrub away plaque. Both additives can help reduce bad breath, plaque, and tartar accumulation.

#3: Prescription dental diets

If your four-legged friend eats a regular adult pet food, consider switching to a prescription dental diet. The kibble in these diets is generally larger, with an airy, fibrous texture that breaks up easily so that the kibble edges scrub away plaque and tartar.

None of these products require you to stick your hand inside your reluctant pet’s mouth, so they can make at-home dental care a breeze. Since toothbrushing is considered the gold standard of at-home dental care for pets, combine the above products for maximum efficacy.

No matter how well you care for your pet’s teeth at home, they’ll likely still require professional dental cleaning at some point. Stay on top of your furry pal’s oral health care with regular exams. Schedule an appointment with us today.