Fresh Breath, Healthy Pet: How to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth
Dental care isn’t just about fresh breath—though we’re all grateful when it helps. Brushing your pet’s teeth is one of the most important things you can do for their overall health. Periodontal disease is extremely common in pets and can lead to pain, tooth loss, and even serious systemic illness affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver.
At Two Rivers Vet Hospital, we talk about dental health every day, because we see what happens when it’s neglected—and how much better pets do when it’s a part of their routine care.
Why Brushing Matters
Brushing your pet’s teeth can:
Prevent bad breath, gingivitis, and tooth loss
Delay or reduce the need for professional dental cleanings
Help prevent costly medical issues linked to chronic dental disease
And yes, brushing your pet’s teeth regularly can save you thousands in veterinary dental work over the years.
Start Early, Go Slowly
Whether you’ve got a puppy or an adult pet, it’s never too late to start. The key is to make it positive, gentle, and consistent.
What You’ll Need
Pet-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste—it’s toxic to pets)
→ Try: Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste or Vet’s Best Enzymatic GelPet toothbrush (finger brushes or angled brushes work great)
→ Try: CET Dual Ended Toothbrush or Vet’s Best Finger ToothbrushesTasty rewards and patience
🖥️ Watch this dog tooth brushing demo
🖥️ Here’s how to brush your cat’s teeth
How to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth
Let them taste the toothpaste – Most pets love the poultry or seafood flavors.
Start slow – Touch their lips, lift their gums, rub your finger on their teeth.
Introduce the brush – Begin with short sessions, brushing just a few teeth at a time.
Use circular motions – Focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth and gums.
Praise and treat – Make it a fun, positive experience.
Consistency is Key
Brushing daily is ideal, but even just three times a week is better than none. If your pet already has significant tartar or inflammation, let us help—professional dental cleanings are the safest way to start with a clean slate.
Our team is always happy to demonstrate brushing techniques, recommend products, or schedule a dental exam. Together, we can make oral health easy, effective, and stress-free—for both you and your pet.
