WE brush our teeth twice a day at least, but what about your cat or dog? Or your other pets?

Dental healthcare is vitally important for your pet and you can get advice, support, and treatment as required for your pet's teeth at Vets for Pets surgery in West Thurrock.

Before getting to the point where treatment is required, there's lots you can do keep problems to a minimum.

Dogs and cats need to be introduced to tooth brushing very gradually, ensuring that they learn to enjoy the experience. This may take longer in cats than in dogs.

Things you will need:

Pet toothpaste (do not use human toothpaste).

A pet toothbrush (medium bristles).

Water.

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A quiet area, with little or no distractions. Patience!

Staff at Vets for Pets will be delighted to discuss products we have in store.

Each training session should last for five minutes and should be repeated on at least five separate days before moving on to the next stage. Every pet is different, so progress at a pace they are comfortable with. Please be careful inserting your fingers into your pet's mouth. We do not recommend doing this with aggressive pets, or pets that are prone to biting.

For more on dogs' and cats' dental health click here.

Looking at other animals, rabbits can make great pets, and more households than ever are making them part of the family.

As rabbit teeth grow throughout their lives, making sure their dental health is looked after is a key part of keeping any rabbit healthy and happy. This is often managed by feeding a high fibre diet – don't forget a rabbit's diet should be 90% hay or grass! In many rabbits, however, teeth overgrow and need veterinary care.

For more on rabbits - click here.

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Dental disease is uncomfortable, even painful, for our pets and treatment generally requires a general anaesthetic with your pet spending a day at the clinic.

Thankfully, there's plenty you can do to reduce the chances of your pet needing dental treatment.

All treatments - and animals - are individual and any methods and procedures below may be altered to better fit your pet. Your vet and nurse team will always be happy to discuss the personal care of your animal.

Browse more information about dental issues for pets here. https://www.vets4pets.com/services/dental-care-for-your-pet/