The basic value of dental care is obvious- you have to have teeth, in good condition, to eat. So the question becomes, “How can I keep my pet’s teeth in good shape for as long as possible?” A toothbrush with some chicken flavored toothpaste would be a great start! Start your new family member on a brushing schedule VERY early- as soon as he comes home with you. Start slowly- introduce him to the idea and try different flavors of toothpaste until you find one he likes. At first, it needs to be a bit of a game. When you force a pet to do something he clearly doesn’t want to do, he quickly equates it to punishment. You need a willing participant for successful dental care at home. Gradually build up the amount of time you spend brushing. A little reward afterwards goes a long way to convince the pet that this is a good thing that results in him getting something he really enjoys. Going for a walk- a little extra play time- you know better than anyone what he likes! Sometimes, in spite of our best efforts, your pet simply refuses to co-operate when it comes to brushing. If that happens, Barks and Medication has the trained staff and the equipment to handle just about any dental problem. Regular checkups and cleanings can go a long way towards promoting good dental hygiene. Talk to your vet- get the correct information about your pet’s dental condition. Then you’ll have what you need to make an intelligent decision on behalf of your family member.
