How to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth

If you’ve been coming to AVC for very long, you’ve probably heard one of our veterinarians discuss the importance of a healthy mouth for all dogs and cats.  We regularly recommend periodic professional prophylaxis, with anesthesia, dental radiography, and extractions if needed.  This is done up to twice a year for some pets, with others only requiring professional intervention once every few years.  Proper home dental care can have far-reaching benefits for your pet and can reduce the number of professional cleanings required.  Good oral health is essential for dogs and cats – it reduces the potential for disease of the heart valves, liver, and kidneys and it prevents pain from living with diseased teeth.  Home care is also beneficial for you as the owner – it reduces the costs of care and anesthesia, and you get a pet with much fresher breath to snuggle up to!  So, how do you go about brushing your pet’s teeth?  See the video below from www.TexVetPets.org for step-by-step demonstration.