By Pet Food Institute
Veterinarians recommend brushing your pet’s teeth daily or every other day, as plaque can be brushed away easily before it hardens, which takes between 24-48 hours. If a toothbrush scares your pet, you can ease your pet into becoming more comfortable by first wiping his or her teeth with a pet-safe gauze pad or dental wipe. These options are similar to a toothbrush and are a great way to get cats or dogs comfortable with their teeth being touched. Since dental care can both a stressful event for some pet owners, developing this routine at an early age may help their pets become more relaxed during the procedure.
Dental Chews
In addition to professional cleanings and an at-home care routine, dental treats and chews are specifically designed to provide dental-related benefits to dogs and cats. These treats and chews are meant to remove plaque buildup and often include ingredients that help to clean a cat or dog’s mouth. Many pet dental treats even freshen breath!
Veterinary Cleanings
In addition to regular care at home, experts recommend regular professional teeth cleanings from a veterinarian, starting at one or two years old, depending on a cat or dog’s size. Your pet will be put under anesthesia so that each tooth will receive proper attention and care, including under the gum line. These cleanings should be done annually and will include an oral exam to detect any issues or concerns.
Pet Food Institute is committed to educating pet owners about proper pet nutrition to keep pets healthy and happy. Through its local initiative, Well-Fed, Well-Nurtured campaign in partnership with the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines (VPAP), PFI seeks to advocate responsible pet ownership to the ever-growing Filipino pet community.
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About the Pet Food Institute: Since 1958, the Pet Food Institute has been the voice of the U.S. pet food industry. PFI is the industry's representative before Congress and state legislatures, as well as state and federal agencies; public education and media relations resource; organizer of seminars and educational programs; and liaison with other organizations. PFI represents the companies that make 98 percent of U.S. dog and cat food, an industry with more than $20 billion in U.S. retail sales and $1.3 billion in exports in 2015.
