With upwards of 80% of dogs and cats over the age of three suffering from dental and gum disease, it’s no wonder that veterinarians and pet owners alike have been searching for easy ways to keep their pet’s teeth clean. One of these ways, besides the traditional toothpaste and toothbrush for dogs, are dental wipes or our own smileWIPES.
Dental wipes are exactly what their name implies. They are moistened, disposable, towelettes that contain an oral cleansing solution such as smileSPRAY. Different brands use different recipes for their solution, but the basic idea is that you can quickly and gently wipe your dog’s teeth and gum line to remove plaque, bacteria, and food residue. We prefer no alcohol or water in the dental spray so be sure to look for that on the label. smileSPRAY from Green Dog Dental contains only essentials oils so it fits the bill nicely.
Dental wipes can be a great solution for a number of pets. It can be particularly useful for puppies and kittens, especially in the early stages when you’re getting them used to having their mouth’s touched. It’s less invasive and potentially frightening than a toothbrush, and it’s the perfect way to get them accustomed to being handled in and around their mouth.
Dental wipes are also a great idea for some animals who simply will not tolerate a toothbrush and toothpaste. Your finger is not nearly as scary!
It’s important to note that using dental wipes requires you to put your fingers inside your dog or cat’s mouth. If you have any doubts or think that your pet may not tolerate this, it’s very prudent to exercise caution! As always, if you have questions, check with your vet to be safe.