My cat won't let me brush his teeth. How can I keep them clean?

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! You are my hero for trying to brush Nala's teeth. If you haven't tried to start with the left side first, do that. Yes, at least getting the enzyme tooth paste on the teeth will do something. The brushing does help the most. Try to brush at least 3 times per week. They also make a tooth brush that fits on your finger tip, that may work better for her. Also check out the link for the Veterinary Oral Health Council's recommended products. Otherwise just keep trying! Practice makes perfect and also hopefully Nala will acclimate. She may still be sensitive on the one side from the cleaning. I hope this helps and I wish you and Nala the best! http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3497 http://www.vohc.org/accepted_products_cats.html

Hi and thanks for posting! Don't worry- you are not alone! Many pets do not enjoy their owners brushing their teeth. The best thing really is to have a professional dental scaling with your veterinarian once a year. However, there are many dental products out there to help decrease plaque formation and prevent dental calculus build up. Perhaps a dental chewable, water additive, or a dental spray would be easier. I have included below a link to a list of dental products approved by the veterinary oral health council. http://www.vohc.org/VOHCAcceptedProductsTable_Cats.pdf I hope this helps!

Great question! The Veterinary Oral Health Council is a group of veterinary dentists that investigates and reviews products that are marketed for dental care in pets. You can find a list of the products for cats that have received their seal of approval here: http://www.vohc.org/accepted_products_cats.html

You can try dipping the finger brush in tuna water before rubbing it on your cat's teeth to make the experience more pleasant. That may make Lily more willing to open her mouth. I would also cradle her from behind, cup her chin, and lift up her lip to clean her teeth. HealthyMouth's range of water additive products is approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, and has been approved for the removal of plaque. I would recommend using one of there water additive products.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Snowy. If she has smelly breath, then she likely has an infection in her mouth causing dental disease. If so, she will need to go under anesthesia to have her teeth cleaned by her veterinarian. Afterwards brushing will be less painful to her. Start slowly and use a toothpaste formulated for animals. Start by offering the paste on your finger as a treat. Once she likes it, then slowly start brushing. You can use a small toothbrush or a finger brush. I hope this information helps!

There is really no home dental treatment, only home preventive care. If there is an abscessed tooth that infection can cause the jaw to get infected too if left untreated. There may be a tooth root exposed from a broken tooth. Really, he needs to see a vet and should be neutered too. Now, I realize that may not be possible where you are so if you absolutely cannot get him to a vet all you can do is try an oral antibiotic to hopefully correct any infection. Clindamycin is the best antibiotic to use for dental issues. I am only able to find it in tablet form. He may or may not eat it. If not, you will have to mix it with some canned cat food to see if he will eat it that way. I would give it for 14 days total. ( https://www.marshallspetzone.com/health-care/5511-7762-savavet-bioclan-25mg.html#/145-pack-3 ) Once you receive the medication, if you need help with dosing information you are welcome to post again.

If he he has pain he should be seen by a vet to rule out damaged teeth or a broken jaw which requires repair or extraction - brushing will not solve this. I would also recommend using a pet toothpaste or dental hygiene gel as these are more effective and also better accepted as they are flavoured.