Dental Care

Dental disease is the most common health problem vets see in dogs and cats, and almost all of it is preventable with a routine that starts before there is anything to see. The options here work in different ways, and most households end up combining two.

Brushing is the most effective thing you can do, and pet toothpaste matters because human toothpaste contains fluoride and often xylitol, which pets should not swallow. Dental chews and treats work mechanically — the shape and texture scrape the tooth as the animal chews — and they are the realistic option for a pet that will not tolerate a brush. Powders and water additives ask nothing of the animal at all: they go into food or the water bowl and work on the bacteria rather than the tooth surface, which makes them the practical choice for most cats.

None of it reverses existing disease. Red or bleeding gums, a broken or discoloured tooth, drooling, chewing on one side or breath that has changed suddenly all mean a vet appointment and probably a scale under anaesthetic — dental products keep clean teeth clean, they do not treat a sore mouth.

Shop Dental Care by Type

• Dog dental treats and chews
• Cat dental treats and dental care
• Bell and Bone Dental Sticks

Shop Dental Care by Brand

• GREENIES
• Whimzees
• OraVet
• Bell and Bone