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25 DIY Tips and Products to Improve the Health of Your Pet’s Teeth

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have periodontal, or gum, disease by the age of three. Worse yet, these dental diseases can lead to far more serious health conditions. In fact, pets that have proper dental health can live two to five years longer.

With statistics so high and the very life of your pet at stake, the good news is that pet dental health can be done at home. To help out, we have gathered the below 25 DIY tips and products to improve the health of your pet’s teeth.

DIY Tips to Improve the Health of Your Pet’s Teeth

Get tips from many dental experts on how to maintain your pet’s teeth.

  1. Veterinary Q & A: Dental Care for Pets
    If you’re a while in between vet visits, click here for the next best thing. Janet Tobiassen Crosby is a vet and pet expert for About.com. In a companion piece to a further guide for pet dental health, she discusses many common questions and answers such as how a healthy mouth can lead to a happier life.
  2. 10 Tips for Better Dental Health in Dogs
    Although the ASPCA is known for animal activism, they also chime in on pet health. In this guide from an actual member of the ASPCA, there are loads of tips every pet owner should read. They include the breath test, signs of oral disease, and what tooth decay can really mean.
  3. Pet Dental Health
    Watch as Dr. Sheldon Rubin gives easy instructions on how to teach a dog and even a cat to get into their daily brushing habits. He also describes healthy treats and explains the true risks of periodontal disease in pets. Be sure not to miss the AVMA Animal Tracks Podcast with more.
  4. Pet Dental Health Month
    Also known as February, it doesn’t have to be this month to take notice of your pet’s teeth. “The Reno Gazette-Journal” recently printed this article from vet April Jones of the local animal care center. She discussed the dangers of periodontal disease, which breeds are more susceptible, and more.

  5. Pet Dental Health
    Michelle Day is the Newark Animal Welfare Examiner. In an entry for Pet Dental Health Month, she reminds owners why and how to practice good oral care for pets. It includes a link for how to brush teeth, links to vets, and even her own blog.
  6. How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
    Similar to the above, Susan Lee is the Pet Care Examiner in Rockford. In the article, she discusses the best practices for brushing a dog’s teeth. There are also many useful links for owners living in the Illinois area.
  7. How to Brush a Cat’s Teeth
    Don’t let the dogs have all the fun. Dr. Greg McDonald gives a quick video entry for eHow. Recommendations for which toothpaste, tools, and techniques for cat teeth brushing are shared.
  8. Cats Dental Care 101
    Franny Syufy is the cat expert for About.com. With loads of entries on cats from behavior to health, she offers this extensive guide for the health of cat’s teeth. They include a dental care plan, how to examine teeth and gums, and even loads of product reviews.
  9. Dental Care Tips for Cats
    Charles Simmins of Helium shares tips for cat care and health. In this article, he discusses gum disease, food , and more. You can also get related articles and videos.


DIY Products to Improve the Health of Your Pet’s Teeth

  1. 9 Tips and Tools for Home Dental Care for Dogs and Cats
    Dr. Janet returns with a vet’s picks for how to care for a dog or cat’s teeth. They include what to ask your vet, appropriate toothpastes, and even toys that can help.
  2. VOHC
    The Veterinary Oral Health Council is a sort of American Dental Association for pets. With a similar labeling system, simply look for the VOHC logo to see if the product has been approved. They also have loads of articles on dental health for pets.

  3. How to Pick a Dog’s Toothbrush
    Click here to get the four features every dog toothbrush should have from Vetinfo. They include size, length, bristles, and toothpaste. There are also many related entries.
  4. Can Dogs Share Toothbrushes?
    Although a disgusting habit among people, is it okay to let the dogs slide on this one? Eric Barchas runs The Vetblog and gives his expert opinion on the question. The short answer is no, along with an explanation.
  5. How to Select the Right Cat Toothbrush
    Stop here to get a useful guide from Pet Product Advisor. They discuss the desirable features, as well as what to stay away from. There is also a guide for how to brush.
  6. Introducing Your Pet to Toothpaste
    Just like kids, pets may not always enjoy brushing their teeth. In addition to having to hold still, the taste of toothpaste can be different and scary to them. Stop here for a guide from the Richmond SPCA for how to introduce your pet to toothpaste.
  7. Insider’s Guide to Pet Mouthwash
    Pet Place has over 15,000 veterinarian approved articles. In this one, the product of mouthwash for dogs is discussed. You can also send in your very own questions to Dr. Jon or get loads of other pet health articles.


Other DIY Tips and Products to Improve the Health of Your Pet’s Teeth

  1. Dental Disease in Cats and Dogs
    The Paw Blog has loads of entries for pet owners from list of smartest breeds to medications. In this entry, they discuss the importance of oral health. Factors that can contribute to the development of disease and signs of it are included.

  2. The Pete and Gigi Show
    Visit here for the official site of Pet Dental. In this special movie, a cartoon dog and cat explain to kids the importance of dental health. Tips, activities, and more can be found on the site.
  3. Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat
    The goal of WebMD is to give everyone better information for better health. With the pet in mind as well, they have this 25 piece slideshow of foods dogs should never have. Also a good read for cat and other pet owners.
  4. Make Your Own Pet Toothpaste
    Why go up and down the aisles when you can make your own pet toothpaste? Carol Alexander, the New York Pets Alternative Health Examiner, shows you how. Two different recipes are shared.
  5. Why Care?
    If the above aren’t convincing enough, click here. It is an entry from Holistic Health News as to why pet health matters. The statistics, tips, and more are shared.
  6. Preventing Periodontal Disease in Dogs and Cats
    Dr. Dym has over ten years of practicing veterinary medicine. In his blog for Pet Meds, he chimes in on how to prevent gum disease in pets. Useful product reviews and related articles are also shared.
  7. Floss
    “The world of dentistry online” is featured here. With a special section for pet’s health, you can also get tips for brushing and other forms of dental care. They even have special sections on halitosis, orthodontics, and anesthesia with the pet in mind.
  8. Safe Alternative Cleansers
    Because cats and dogs can lick up cleaners, especially ones that smell good, stop here. It is a guide from Dogs and Other Companions. It shows how to make your own pet friendly household cleaners that are safe for all kinds of dogs and cats.
  9. Pet Product Review
    These bloggers take on a variety of pet products for review. Choose on everything from accessories to treats. You can even submit a product review request.

And the above is only the beginning. Before making any drastic changes to your pet’s health or following any of the advice on the above 25 DIY tips and products to improve the health of your pet’s teeth, please consult your veterinarian. For more approved tips, you can visit the official site of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

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