We all know we need to look after our teeth and it’s no different for our pets. In fact, it’s particularly important to make sure you take steps to combat dental disease in your pets as it’s known to affect 78% of dogs and 68% of cats over the age of 3.

Dental disease doesn’t just affect the teeth though, it can also cause further health complications including organ damage, making dental health all the more important.

Keeping on top of your pet’s oral hygiene is easy enough, though. We’ve put together five top tips to ensure your pets have healthy teeth!

1. Visit the vet for cleaning

It might not be the first thing you think about when taking your pets for a check up, but during their examination the vet will check their teeth and can perform a dental cleaning. This is a thorough and safe procedure, which is carried out with your pet under general anaesthetic. Some cats and dogs might need more or less frequent cleanings, but your vet will work with you to evaluate the best option.

2. Brush your pet’s teeth everyday

You don’t need to rely solely on the vet to clean your pet’s teeth and an important part of preventing dental disease is taking action at home. It might sound like a big task but your pet’s teeth should be brushed everyday to ensure that there’s no build up of bacteria. You’ll want to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, which has been designed for pets, and specially formulated pet toothpaste. The special toothpaste is particularly important as the fluoride in human toothpaste can be toxic to cats and dogs.

3. Give your pets chew toys

Dogs are renowned for playing with tennis balls but they can cause wear to dogs’ teeth. Chew toys are a great option for your pets, although you should make sure you find an appropriate sized toy in order to avoid ingestion. Keep an eye out for our new range of chew toys, which will be available online and in Asda stores soon!

4. Food or chew treats

Some food and chew treats are designed to help keep your pet’s teeth cleaner. These treats are effective, safe and provide extra daily dental protection. Our DreamBone Dental Sticks, made from vegetables and fresh chicken, promote dental hygiene as well as offering your dog a healthy treat.

5. Establish a cleaning routine

Establishing a regular cleaning routine will ensure that your pets maintain good dental hygiene. This requires a small, but important, commitment on the part of the owner – around one minute of care each day will help ensure trouble-free teeth and good overall health for your pets.

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