The two most common reasons that people will use to avoid giving regular dental care to their pets are:
- The time investment.
- The cost.
It’s a hassle – that’s how most see it. And they don’t want to wrestle with their pet while trying to brush nasty smelling teeth. It will take some determination on your part, and some acclimatization from your pet, but the worst part is all up front. Once you get the initial wrestling matches out of the way, it gets easier for both of you. If your pet grows to like the taste of the toothpaste you use, he or she may even start looking forward to the brushings.
How often do you need to brush your pet’s teeth? If you’re going to make the effort at all, then at least set aside time to brush once a week, and more if you can swing it. Every day would be great, twice a week is good, and once a week is ok. Do what you can.
The costs involved in maintaining good dental health for your pet really are manageable. A good brush might run you $8 (with some stragglers out in the $15 area) and a tube of toothpaste could be anywhere from $4 all the way up to $20 – it depends on the size of the tube. Not much difference to the supplies you use to brush your own teeth.
The only other costs you really need to be concerned with are maybe a few chew toys to keep teeth strong and then there’s your vet bills. But you were taking your pet to the vet for regular checkups anyway, right? So, no big deal.
We all have teeth, people and pets alike. So why is it that pets don’t get the care for their teeth that we give to our own chompers? If you started to say it’s the time or the cost involved, please think again and take some time to research some possibilities yourself. Your pet’s bright smile will be a sign of their thanks.