Meet Kovu, the charming American Eskimo with a heartwarming tale of dental care redemption!

Initiation of Dental Care: A Pup’s Wake-Up Call

Jennifer, Kovu’s devoted pet parent, embarked on the journey of dental home care when her beloved pup faced dental decay and gingivitis at the tender age of 3. Jennifer shares, “We were cautioned that he was set to have teeth extractions in his next cleaning. We knew this would affect his health and quality of life if we didn’t take his dental care more seriously.”

Dental Routine: An Artful Blend of Tools and Love

Pet Health’s recommendation of Virbac Enzymatic toothpaste became the cornerstone of Kovu’s dental routine. Jennifer reflects, “Kovu free-feeds, so his teeth need to be brushed once at any time every day.” To reinforce Kovu’s dental resilience, Jennifer adds Fresh Breath Dental Health solution to his daily drinking water, creating a holistic approach to canine oral care. She adds, “Kovu’s dental genetics are particularly susceptible, so we also incorporate the Fresh Breath Dental Health solution water additive in his drinking water daily.”

Challenges and Solutions: Turning Training into a Treat

Jennifer candidly shares that the length of the training period posed a challenge, but in retrospect, it was a small price to pay for Kovu’s well-being. She recalls, “Training was roughly two months. We spent the first month getting Kovu acquainted with his mouth being handled using a finger glove.” Treat rewards and the ‘down’ command were instrumental, making the training not just practical but a delightful experience for Kovu.

Improvements Observed: From Bleeding Gums to Puppy-Fresh Breath

Jennifer beams with pride as she narrates the delightful transformations in Kovu’s oral health. She says, “His kisses are sweet again! Kovu’s breath is just like a puppy’s breath. His gums no longer bleed when chewing on hard toys and bones.” A stronger bite and an improved grip during playtime tug-of-war sessions are signs of Kovu’s newfound dental health.

Favorite Dental Products: Jennifer’s Top Picks

Two standout products have become Jennifer’s go-to for Kovu’s oral care: the Fresh Breath Dental Health for Dogs Solution and Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste in Beef Flavor. These products contribute to Kovu’s oral hygiene and become integral to his overall well-being. Jennifer affirms, “We do not brush his teeth after meals because he free-feeds. Instead, we ensure that it is done at least once a day, which has been sufficient to maintain his dental health.”

Meet Kovu, the charming American Eskimo with a heartwarming tale of dental care redemption!

Initiation of Dental Care: A Pup’s Wake-Up Call

Jennifer, Kovu’s devoted pet parent, embarked on the journey of dental home care when her beloved pup faced dental decay and gingivitis at the tender age of 3. Jennifer shares, “We were cautioned that he was set to have teeth extractions in his next cleaning. We knew this would affect his health and quality of life if we didn’t take his dental care more seriously.”

Dental Routine: An Artful Blend of Tools and Love

Pet Health’s recommendation of Virbac Enzymatic toothpaste became the cornerstone of Kovu’s dental routine. Jennifer reflects, “Kovu free-feeds, so his teeth need to be brushed once at any time every day.” To reinforce Kovu’s dental resilience, Jennifer adds Fresh Breath Dental Health solution to his daily drinking water, creating a holistic approach to canine oral care. She adds, “Kovu’s dental genetics are particularly susceptible, so we also incorporate the Fresh Breath Dental Health solution water additive in his drinking water daily.”

Challenges and Solutions: Turning Training into a Treat

Jennifer candidly shares that the length of the training period posed a challenge, but in retrospect, it was a small price to pay for Kovu’s well-being. She recalls, “Training was roughly two months. We spent the first month getting Kovu acquainted with his mouth being handled using a finger glove.” Treat rewards and the ‘down’ command were instrumental, making the training not just practical but a delightful experience for Kovu.

Improvements Observed: From Bleeding Gums to Puppy‑ ;Fresh Breath

Jennifer beams with pride as she narrates the delightful transformations in Kovu’s oral health. She says, “His kisses are sweet again! Kovu’s breath is just like a puppy’s breath. His gums no longer bleed when chewing on hard toys and bones.” A stronger bite and an improved grip during playtime tug-of-war sessions are signs of Kovu’s newfound dental health.

Favorite Dental Products: Jennifer’s Top Picks

Two standout products have become Jennifer’s go-to for Kovu’s oral care: the Fresh Breath Dental Health for Dogs Solution and Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste in Beef Flavor. These products contribute to Kovu’s oral hygiene and become integral to his overall well-being. Jennifer affirms, “We do not brush his teeth after meals because he free-feeds. Instead, we ensure that it is done at least once a day, which has been sufficient to maintain his dental health.”

Consistency and Routine: A 20-Second Investment in a Lifetime of Health

Jennifer’s secret to maintaining consistency in Kovu’s dental routine is the quick 20-second toothbrushing ritual. This brief yet impactful task ensures Kovu’s gums remain healthy, motivating Jennifer to stick to this routine. She emphasizes, “Brushing his teeth realistically takes 20 seconds, so it’s easy to remember and complete the task. We do this daily or every other day if necessary.”

Advice for Others: Starting Small and Growing Strong

Jennifer’s parting advice to fellow pet parents is grounded in her journey. Unaware of the importance of dental care for dogs, she empathizes with those starting. However, knowledge is power, and understanding the ‘why’ behind dental care motivates her to continue the routine. Jennifer encourages others, saying, “Starting small was the best approach. No rush. We didn’t immediately start brushing his teeth but familiarized Kovu, as most training suggests.”

In Closing: Celebrating Kovu’s Journey

Kovu’s dental transformation is a testament to the positive impact of consistent and thoughtful dental care. Jennifer’s commitment and Kovu’s resilience have turned what once seemed a daunting task into a joyous daily ritual. May Kovu’s journey inspire countless pet parents to embark on their path to healthier, happier pets through dental home care. Join us next time for another edition of Pet Health Spotlight: Healing Journeys!

Jennifer’s secret to maintaining consistency in Kovu’s dental routine is the quick 20-second toothbrushing ritual. This brief yet impactful task ensures Kovu’s gums remain healthy, motivating Jennifer to stick to this routine. She emphasizes, “Brushing his teeth realistically takes 20 seconds, so it’s easy to remember and complete the task. We do this daily or every other day if necessary.”

Advice for Others: Starting Small and Growing Strong

Jennifer’s parting advice to fellow pet parents is grounded in her journey. Unaware of the importance of dental care for dogs, she empathizes with those starting. However, knowledge is power, and understanding the ‘why’ behind dental care motivates her to continue the routine. Jennifer encourages others, saying, “Starting small was the best approach. No rush. We didn’t immediately start brushing his teeth but familiarized Kovu, as most training suggests.”

In Closing: Celebrating Kovu’s Journey

Kovu’s dental transformation is a testament to the positive impact of consistent and thoughtful dental care. Jennifer’s commitment and Kovu’s resilience have turned what once seemed a daunting task into a joyous daily ritual. May Kovu’s journey inspire countless pet parents to embark on their path to healthier, happier pets through dental home care. Join us next time for another edition of Pet Health Spotlight: Healing Journeys!

We’re told to brush our teeth at least twice daily; some even brush after every meal. Just like we must brush our teeth to prevent gum disease, pets must have their teeth brushed, too!

Pets need their teeth brushed for the same reason we do – to remove food, debris, and plaque from the surface of their teeth. This prevents plaque from hardening into tartar and creating pockets between the teeth and gums, leading to gingivitis (bacterial infection and inflammation of the gums).

Left untreated, gingivitis eventually leads to periodontal disease (bone deterioration, bone loss, and tooth loss caused by the bacterial infection of the tooth’s attachment, the periodontal ligament, to the jawbone). In addition to causing oral discomfort, periodontal disease can lead to bacterial infections throughout the body that damage organs and can even cause death.

Although gingivitis can be reversed, periodontal disease is irreversible. So, prevention is key to preserving both your pet’s oral health and their general health.

How Often Should I Brush My Pet’s Teeth?

Ideally, a pet’s teeth should be brushed once a day to remove plaque and prevent the accumulation of tartar.

What Do I Use for a Toothbrush?

When brushing your pet’s teeth, using a toothbrush designed for your pet’s species and size is best. We don’t recommend using human toothbrushes because their bristles are generally too hard and designed specifically for a person’s teeth.

With medium and large dog breeds, you will likely use a toothbrush with soft bristles, a long handle, and an angled brush head to help you reach your pet’s back molars.

Finger brushes (like nubbed and textured rubber thimbles) usually work best with small dog breeds and cats.

If your pet won’t tolerate these tools, you can start by using a small piece of nylon pantyhose. Wrapped around your finger, the slightly abrasive fabric will feel better in your pet’s mouth while still helping clean their teeth’ surface.

What Do I Use for Toothpaste?

Do not use toothpaste formulated for people. These contain detergents, salts, sudsing agents, and baking soda that should not be swallowed. Since pets can’t rinse, pet-friendly toothpaste formulas are designed to be safe for ingesting.

Instead, look for a formula designed for cats and dogs at your favorite pet store. These kinds of toothpaste are safe for pets and come in pet-friendly flavors. Additionally, most dog and cat toothpaste contain enzymes to help control plaque.

How to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth

Although it’s simplest to start brushing when your pet is still a puppy or a kitten, mature pets can still be taught. Like teaching your pet any new trick, the key to training your pet to have their teeth brushed is to start slowly and to encourage good behavior with positive reinforcement techniques (i.e., with lots of treats and love).

Pet Health Expert Tip: While brushing, remember that you only need to brush the outside of your pet’s teeth. Their saliva will naturally wash plaque away from the teeth’s inside surface.

Toothbrush Training Step 1

First, help your pet get accustomed to having your fingers in their mouth.

Practice two times a day, using just your fingers, to gently rub your pet’s teeth with a back-and-forth motion like you would with a toothbrush. Do one side (left or right) at a time, making sure you reach the back teeth (molars and premolars) and the front teeth (canines and incisors).

Be sure to praise your pet and reward their good behavior for making toothbrush time a positive experience.

Toothbrush Training Step 2

After a couple of weeks of Step 1, or once your pet is used to the process, add a toothbrush (without toothpaste) and brush your pet’s teeth like before.

With the toothbrush’s bristles at an angle to reach below the gum line, try to brush two or three teeth at a time for ten back-and-forth motions before moving on to the next section. Ideally, brushing all of your pet’s teeth would be best, but their molars and premolars are the most important.

Like before, offer your pet plenty of praise and rewards and continue practicing two times a day until your pet is used to the toothbrush.

Toothbrush Training Step 3

When used to their toothbrush, you can add pet-friendly toothpaste. Perform the same technique as Step 2, and continue offering praise to ensure your pet always has a positive, rewarding experience during toothbrushing.

If you have questions about toothbrushing techniques or dental health supplies for pets, we welcome you to talk with a Pet Health™ veterinarian.