{"id":6871,"date":"2025-07-25T09:40:56","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T04:10:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vetsupply.thepethost.com\/?p=6871"},"modified":"2025-07-25T09:43:22","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T04:13:22","slug":"a-complete-guide-to-oral-health-of-dogs-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/vetsupply.thepethost.com\/a-complete-guide-to-oral-health-of-dogs-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"A Complete Guide to Oral Health of Dogs &amp; Cats"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/vetsupply.thepethost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/VS-21july-Blog-A-Complete-Guide-to-Cats-and-Dogs-Teeth-and-Oral-Health-Care-2025-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"700\" height=\"335\" src=\"http:\/\/vetsupply.thepethost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/VS-21july-Blog-A-Complete-Guide-to-Cats-and-Dogs-Teeth-and-Oral-Health-Care-2025-1.jpg\" alt=\"A Complete Guide to Oral Health of Dogs &amp; Cats\" class=\"wp-image-6872\" srcset=\"http:\/\/vetsupply.thepethost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/VS-21july-Blog-A-Complete-Guide-to-Cats-and-Dogs-Teeth-and-Oral-Health-Care-2025-1.jpg 700w, http:\/\/vetsupply.thepethost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/VS-21july-Blog-A-Complete-Guide-to-Cats-and-Dogs-Teeth-and-Oral-Health-Care-2025-1-300x144.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Dental Health Week is the perfect reminder that oral hygiene isn\u2019t just for humans. Our pets \u2013 both cats and dogs \u2013 are at serious risk of dental issues if left unchecked. Over 70% of adult cats and dogs develop dental disease by age three, often without visible symptoms until it\u2019s severe. But with the right habits and\u00a0tools, these problems are entirely preventable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about oral health for pets, from spotting early signs to prevention tips and at-home routines for both cats and dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Dental Health in Dogs: What to Know<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bad breath isn\u2019t just a quirk trait-it\u2019s one of the earliest signs of dental disease in dogs. You may notice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>yellow or brown tartar buildup<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>inflamed or bleeding gums<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>reluctance to eat or play with chew toys<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>pawing at the mouth or changes in chewing behaviour<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>When plaque hardens into tartar, it leads to gingivitis, tooth loss, and even infections that may spread to the heart or kidneys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Prevent Dog Dental Disease?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Brushing is still the gold standard. Aim for dog teeth cleaning at least three times a week using a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. But it\u2019s not the only option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Add-ons that help:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Chew toys and dog tartar control treats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oral rinses or water additives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Annual vet dental exams<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>One popular vet-recommended option is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetsupply.com.au\/dental\/oravet-dental-chews-for-dogs\/p2340.aspx\">OraVet Dental Chew for Dogs<\/a>. These once-a-day chews do more than clean &#8211; they contain delmopinol, a compound that forms a protective barrier to block bacteria and prevent plaque..<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your dog prefers variety or plant-based options, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetsupply.com.au\/dental\/whimzees-alligatorbrushzeesstix-variety-value-box-dog-dental-treats-for-dogs\/p3546.aspx\">Whimzees Alligator, Brushzees &amp; Stix Variety Value Box<\/a> is a great alternative, offering mechanical cleaning through fun textures and shapes your dog will enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cat Dental Health: Often Overlooked, But Crucial<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cats tend to suffer in silence. By the time symptoms appear, dental issues may already be advanced. Look for the signs such as,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>drooling or pawing at the face<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>loss of appetite or chewing only on one side<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>bad breath<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>gum redness or visible plaque build-up<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Routine care is essential for cat dental disease prevention, especially since many cats hide pain extremely well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Prevention Tips for Cat Parents<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Brushing is ideal, but not always practical. If that\u2019s not an option, try these alternatives:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Dental diets or enzymatic powders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dental chews for cats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Annual professional cleanings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>One great daily option is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetsupply.com.au\/cat-food\/greenies-feline-dental-treats-salmon-flavour-for-cats\/pet-foods-2202.aspx\">Greenies Feline Dental Treats \u2013 Salmon Flavour<\/a>. These crunchy bites are both tasty and functional, helping reduce tartar with every chew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your cat prefers a sprinkle-over supplement, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetsupply.com.au\/dental\/vets-best-natures-health-care-plaque-and-tartar-dental-powder-for-cats\/p5470.aspx\"><strong>Vet\u2019s Best Plaque &amp; Tartar Dental Powder for Cats<\/strong><\/a> is made with natural ingredients like seaweed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Dental Care for Kittens and Puppies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Start young. Kitten dental care can begin once the baby teeth erupt (around 3 weeks of age). These fall out by 6 months, but early exposure to kitten oral care builds tolerance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Support their development by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>using finger brushes and flavoured pet toothpaste<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>offering teething-friendly toys<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>booking check-ups during vet visits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For puppies, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetsupply.com.au\/dental\/kong-teething-dental-stick-puppy-toy-for-dogs\/p3788.aspx\">KONG Teething Dental Stick Puppy Toy<\/a> is a perfect choice. Its soft rubber soothes tender gums while encouraging early-stage dental hygiene for puppies through natural play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Maintain Pet Oral Health at Home?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Still wondering how to maintain your pet\u2019s oral health at home? Consistency is key. Here\u2019s your simple starter routine:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Brush 2-3x a week (daily if possible)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use chews suited to your pet\u2019s age, species, and size<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add oral rinses or water additives to meals or bowls<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Observe for discomfort or changes in eating<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>When brushing, use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetsupply.com.au\/dental\/dentipet-toothpaste-for-dogs-and-cats-for-dogs\/p1038.aspx\">Dentipet Toothpaste for Dogs and Cats<\/a>, which comes in chicken and beef flavours and is safe for both dogs and cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For fussier pets, try something gentler like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetsupply.com.au\/dental\/aquadent-fresh-water-additive-for-dogs\/p2341.aspx\">Aquadent Fresh Water Additives<\/a>. Just add it to their water bowl to maintain oral health for pets while they hydrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When to Call the Vet?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ve brushed; you\u2019ve chewed &#8211; Now what? Sometimes, signs of deeper issues may still appear. Here\u2019s how to spot dental disease in your pet that needs expert attention:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Bleeding or swollen gums<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visible tooth decay<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Persistent bad breath<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Refusing food or chewing oddly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Your vet may suggest X-rays or a deep clean under anaesthesia to address issues below the gumline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>On a Final Note,<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dental hygiene for pets isn\u2019t just about fresh breath \u2013 it\u2019s about whole-body health. Whether you\u2019re brushing your dog\u2019s teeth or introducing kitten teeth cleaning tools, every little step contributes to their overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start young, be consistent and normalise your pet\u2019s dental care routine.&nbsp;Celebrate Pet Dental Health Month by exploring our full range of dental care essentials today and enjoy an extra 10% off on all dental products and treats! Use code: DENTAL10 at checkout. Valid from 1st\u201331st August 2025 \u2013 don\u2019t miss out on this limited-time deal!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Dental Health Week is the perfect reminder that oral hygiene isn\u2019t just for humans. Our pets \u2013 both cats and dogs \u2013 are at serious risk of dental issues if left unchecked. Over 70% of adult cats and dogs develop dental disease by age three, often without visible symptoms until it\u2019s severe. But with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6872,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1905,659],"tags":[2119,391,2121,2117,2118,2120],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/vetsupply.thepethost.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6871"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/vetsupply.thepethost.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/vetsupply.thepethost.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/vetsupply.thepethost.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/vetsupply.thepethost.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6871"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/vetsupply.thepethost.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6871\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6874,"href":"http:\/\/vetsupply.thepethost.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6871\/revisions\/6874"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/vetsupply.thepethost.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6872"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/vetsupply.thepethost.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6871"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/vetsupply.thepethost.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6871"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/vetsupply.thepethost.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6871"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}