Even pets need to have teeth brushed regularly

[pk]

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It is true that cats and dogs get fewer cavities than humans, but your pets, especially dogs, need frequent brushing of their teeth. Since you can assume that your cat or dog will live to a happy old age of 14, 17 or even 20 years, it's even more important.

Adult dogs have 42 teeth, while adult cats have only 30. The proper care of these teeth is important to prevent gum disease, ensure healthy breath and extend the life of your pet's teeth.

We tend to think that if wild animals can get by without dental care, domesticated pets should be able to do the same.

While wild felines and canines find food that is good for their teeth and gums, domesticated cats and dogs are often fed soft, canned foods that are nutritionally sound, but don't ensure dental health.

Our pets' snack foods often contain sugar. The soft, canned foods accumulate at the gumline, causing disease and contributing nothing to prevent plaque.

Pets can't tell you if they have a toothache. This means that a problem can become very serious before it is detected.

Also, cats and dogs use their teeth to perform the same functions that humans use their hands to carry out. It's entirely possible that your pet's teeth are actually more important to them than your teeth are to you.

FULL STORY HERE: http://www.themonroetimes.com/c0108pau.htm

[MrKhay]

I had a cat once...actually, it was my "at the time" wife's cat, but she rarely took care of it... :?
Anyhow, I was the guy that fed the cat every morning...the cat liked me best. Always slept on me, always woke me up in the morning..came running to me when I got home from work...it was MY cat.
I always fed it a mix of dry, and canned food. I knew the dry was good for cleaning her teeth, but she would'nt eat just dry food. So, I mix a portion of canned food in with her dry food. I had to mix it in really well, or she'd eat around the dry.
I'd have to blow a kiss on the food, too. Silky liked that.