Pet Blog

Tartar, Trauma, and Truth Bombs: The Real Talk on Pet Dental Care

Spoiler: Prayer Doesn’t Remove Plaque. But Toothpaste Does.

If your “pet dental care routine” consists of buying a beef-flavored chew toy and hoping for the best, you’re not alone — you’re just... wrong. (Lovably, forgivably wrong.)

Here’s the deal: brushing your pet’s teeth is not some optional extra like doggy sweaters or cat birthday cakes. It’s healthcare. Like, the kind that prevents disease, pain, and thousand-dollar vet bills.

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of pet dental hygiene — the myths, the facts, and how to actually do it without losing a finger.

First of All, Yes — You Really Need to Brush Their Teeth

You wouldn’t go months without brushing your own teeth, right? (Right??) So why is your dog or cat expected to just rawhide their way to dental health?

Over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of gum disease by age three. And that’s not just stinky-breath territory — we’re talking infections, tooth loss, bone erosion, and yes, heart disease. Because dental bacteria doesn’t just party in the mouth; it travels through the bloodstream like it owns the place.

“But My Pet Eats Kibble — Isn’t That Like Brushing?”

That’s like saying eating granola cleans your teeth. Spoiler: it doesn’t.

Dry food might scrape a bit of plaque off, but it’s not a substitute for actual brushing. Same with dental treats, chews, and those expensive “oral care” toys. Think of them as flossing extras, not the main act.

What Happens If You Don’t Brush?

Let’s paint a little picture:

Your dog, five years old, has never had his teeth cleaned. His breath smells like a trash fire. He stops chewing on his favorite toy. You notice he flinches when you touch his face. You take him to the vet. Surprise! He needs four teeth pulled. That’ll be $1,200, please.

Or, worst-case scenario: that untreated infection spreads to his liver or heart. Now we’re in life-or-death territory.

Still wanna roll the dice?

“Okay, Fine. How Do I Actually Do It Without Getting Mauled?”

The Lazy-But-Loving Guide to Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth:

Step one: start slow. Step two: use pet toothpaste. (Human toothpaste contains xylitol, which can kill dogs. No pressure.)

Get the gear: Pet toothbrush or finger brush + enzymatic pet toothpaste (chicken flavor? Yum?)

Let them taste it: Let your pet lick a bit off your finger so they don’t think it’s poison.

Go hands-off first: Rub your finger along their gums and teeth. No brush yet. Just vibes.

Introduce the brush: A few teeth at a time. Don’t worry about perfection — consistency is king.

Praise like they just won Westminster: Treats, belly rubs, the whole nine yards.

Pro tip: Brushing 3–4 times a week is great. Daily is baller. Once a month? Better than nothing, but not by much.

“Do Cats Need This Too?”

Yes. They’re just better at hiding their dental problems. Silent suffering is a feline specialty.

And no, they won’t love you for brushing their teeth. But they’ll hate gum disease more.

Try a finger brush, go slow, and consider pairing brushing with something they adore (like post-brush Churu snacks or dramatic compliments about their beauty).

What About Professional Cleanings?

Brushing helps, but it’s not a silver bullet. Most pets will still need veterinary dental cleanings every year or two, especially small dogs and brachycephalic breeds (hi, pugs and bulldogs).

Yes, it’s under anesthesia. Yes, it’s expensive. And yes, it’s worth every penny if it prevents organ damage and pain.

(Too Lazy; Didn't Rinse)

Your pet’s mouth is not self-cleaning.

Brushing = better breath, fewer vet bills, longer life.

Start small, be consistent, and use pet-safe products.

Dental chews are a bonus, not a replacement.

Cats need it too. Stop pretending they don’t.

Your dog might eat poop, but even they deserve fresh breath.

Brush up — literally — and give your pet the healthy, pain-free mouth they deserve. If you won’t do it for them… do it for your nose.