Clean white teeth and kissy fresh breath – what if they don’t?
You know the majority of your patients have dental problems, yet the majority of your clients think their pets’ teeth, gums and stinky breath are normal. There is so much education you and your veterinary team can provide about necessary and appropriate oral care, including the need for regular professional dental procedures. You may have to compare it going to a human dentist. While people don’t like visiting their dentist, how bad would their teeth and gums get if they put off their professional cleaning?
Help your clients care about dental health with information on:
- Heart and kidney disease
- Halitosis
- Inability or unwillingness to eat well
- Poor appearance
According to Pet Product News, only 20% of dog owners and 10% of cat owners present their pets for veterinary dental cleaning. However, a fair percentage of your clients own products for breath freshening, tarter control, and toothbrushing. Do they use them? Do they know how to use them? There are many potential products you can offer to your clients with instructions how to use correctly and encouragement to use regularly.
Oral health products
- Toothbrush (or finger cot) and paste
- Wipes
- Water additives
- Sprays, foams, gels
- Functional treats (chews, sticks, biscuits, bones)
- Mints or bits
- Non-edibles
Encourage your clients to go slow with the hands-on approaches like brushing their pet’s teeth or applying oral hygiene products, using lots of positive reinforcement, praise, and yummy treats. They don’t have to brush all the teeth at once, just do it on a regular basis. Celebrate what they can do.
And take some tips from human dentists.
- Forward book your patients’ next dental appointment
- Celebrate clean teeth, healthy gums, and fresh breath with prizes like bandannas!
- Post winning pet smiles on your social media page
- And help your clients feel good about what they are doing for their pets because clean white teeth and kissy fresh breath are normal!