Congratulations on Investing in Your Pet’s Smile!
You’ve taken a wonderful and proactive step in your pet’s wellness journey by choosing our all-natural, cosmetic teeth cleaning service. Seeing their “pearly whites” sparkle is a fantastic reward, and now, the focus shifts to maintaining that beautiful, healthy smile at home.
Consistent home care is the key to preventing the rapid buildup of plaque, which can harden into tartar in as little as 24-72 hours. To help you succeed, we’ve compiled this guide to our favourite at-home dental care strategies.
The Gold Standard: Daily Brushing
Nothing is more effective at disrupting plaque formation than the gentle, mechanical action of daily brushing. It is the most powerful tool you have to maintain the results of your recent visit and promote long-term oral health.
Your Brushing Toolkit:
- The Right Brush: Choose a soft, size-appropriate toothbrush. We find that finger brushes can be a great starting point for many pets, as they feel like a natural extension of your hand. You can also use dental wipes or even a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger. For a great selection of brushes, check out WagBright’s collection.
- The Right Paste: Always use a toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs or cats. Human toothpaste is not safe for pets. For a natural alternative, a small amount of organic coconut oil can be effective due to its antibacterial properties.
- A Probiotic Boost: For added support, consider sprinkling a pinch of a pet-safe probiotic powder on the toothpaste, like those from Adored Beast. This introduces beneficial bacteria to your pet’s mouth, helping to create a healthier oral microbiome that naturally combats the harmful bacteria responsible for bad breath and dental disease.
When Brushing Isn’t an Option: Effective Alternatives
At Pearly Whites for Pets, we understand that every pet is an individual, and daily brushing may not be a practical option for everyone. Our holistic approach to pet wellness means finding what works best for you and your pet. Fortunately, there are many excellent alternatives to help keep their teeth clean.
- Water Additives: An incredibly simple and effective solution. Adding a quality, all-natural water additive to your pet’s drinking water each day helps to reduce plaque and freshen their breath with minimal effort. Two popular and effective options are TEEF for Life and Mintier.
- Food Additives: Enhance your pet’s meals with a dental care powder. Products like “Nature’s Dentist” or natural kelp powders use enzymes and gentle abrasives to help clean teeth from the inside out.
- Dental Sprays and Gels: These topical treatments are applied directly to the teeth and gums. Their specialized formulas work to break down plaque and tartar without the need for brushing. True Leaf is one of the brands we carry in our store.
- Dental Treats & Fun Toys: We believe that dental care can be fun! A wide variety of dental treats can help scrape away plaque through chewing. Try Yummy Combs.
The Importance of Safe Chewing
Chewing is a natural instinct that provides mental stimulation and can be very beneficial for your pet’s dental health. However, it is crucial to provide safe options.
Please be cautious with hard chews. Dense bones, nylon toys, and especially antlers can be too hard for your pet’s teeth and may cause painful fractures.
Safe and Effective Chews:
- Single-ingredient dehydrated treats are an excellent choice. Items such as bully sticks, beef tendons, and dehydrated chicken or duck feet are tough enough to provide a satisfying, teeth-cleaning chew while being much safer for your pet’s enamel.
Your Partner in Pet Wellness
You’ve already accomplished the most important step by choosing professional, all-natural teeth cleaning. By incorporating these simple at-home practices, you are ensuring your pets will enjoy a healthy, comfortable, and happy life.
Remember, consistency is key. Whether you choose to brush daily or use a combination of our recommended alternatives, your commitment to at-home care makes all the difference. We are proud to be your partner in your pet’s wellness journey.