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One of the best weapons in the fight against pet periodontal disease is actually a very simple tool: a toothbrush. Some pet owners giggle, groan or roll their eyes when their veterinarian tells them they should be brushing their pets’ teeth. The idea of sticking a bristled brush into the mouth of a dog or cat does seem kind of comical — or like a huge hassle. And daily? Who has the time? Well, suppose you didn’t brush your own teeth for several years. Can you imagine how much plaque and tartar would build up on your teeth? Periodontal disease…

Dental disease is more than just a cosmetic issue. An unhealthy mouth allows bacteria to access the body’s blood supply. This shower of bacteria can cause irreversible damage to the liver, kidneys, joints and heart. The damage would not be immediate but insidious in nature, perhaps not manifesting until years later. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent dental disease. Dental Care Starts at Home Dental care is best started at home with a puppy or kitten. Brushing your pet’s teeth can be a positive experience, but it will take patience, perseverance and a good attitude (from…

Basic Training Cats are usually easy to litterbox train because they are naturally clean and prefer to bury their waste. First, make sure that your cat knows where the litterbox is. Confine your cat to a small area or room with clean water, fresh food, and a clean litterbox until he or she is successfully using the litterbox and seems comfortable. Do not use a covered litterbox during the training period because it might complicate the process. If your cat urinates or defecates outside the litterbox, place the waste in the litterbox; the smell should help your cat find and…