Brushing your pet’s teeth every day sounds great in theory, but in real life? Not always easy. But here’s the great news: you don’t have to be perfect to make a real difference.
A new study on dogs found that even simple at-home care routines can significantly reduce plaque and improve gum health. Dogs were assigned to one of several dental homecare regimens, ranging from brushing, dental chews, water additives, or combinations of the three.
Here’s what stood out:
- Every second day brushing + daily dental chews reduced plaque and calculus build-up.
- Weekly brushing + daily water additive produced the greatest improvement in gum health.
- Even just one action, like giving a chew each day, helped!
- Water additives alone weren’t enough—they worked best when combined with brushing or chews.
This is huge news for pet parents. It means:
- You don’t have to brush daily (although if you can, great!).
- You can get great results with just one or two small steps.
- Even pets who can’t have a professional clean benefit from regular homecare.
As our friendly vet nurses like to say, you're not being judged at Petfirst Veterinary. We're here to help you build a routine that works for your life and your pet.
Every mouth is different. That’s why our team can help you choose the right mix, whether it’s brushing once a week, using VOHC-approved dental chews, or adding a safe water additive to your pet’s bowl. The key is consistency, not perfection.
Ready to go? Here are our top tips on getting into a dental homecare habit with your pet that is manageable and effective:
-
Visit mypetfirst.co.nz to learn about dental homecare options and to find brushing videos, step by step guides and product recommendations.
- Ask us about easy options such as dental toys, chews, food and water additives that can help to keep their teeth healthy as they eat, drink and play.
- Make it a bonding experience. Rather than going straight in with a toothbrush, spend some time with your pet, stroking the sides of their face and letting them check out the brush and toothpaste. This is a great excuse for some extra pats!
- Use the right tools. Toothbrushes and finger brushes especially designed for pets will make your job a lot easier! You’ll also need some pet toothpaste - not only does it taste great to your pet, but is safe for them - unlike our own toothpaste.
-
Start Small. Try brushing just one side of your pet’s mouth a few times a week. Use lots of praise (and treats), and don’t worry if it’s not perfect. The goal is progress, not pressure.
-
Get into a routine. Whether you’re brushing their teeth every day or once or twice a week, doing it at the same time, will keep you both on track.
Petfirst Wellness makes it even easier!
Petfirst Wellness members receive $250 off a dental procedure every year! Further benefits include 10% off homecare products like chews and water additives and unlimited consultations. Find out more about Petfirst Wellness here or ask your clinic team.