We humans know the risks of not brushing our teeth: plaque, tartar, cavities, halitosis, root canals and several other horror stories that lead to the dentist. With that in mind, why would we put that stress and discomfort on our pets?

Proper pet dental care is imperative for our cats or dogs to live long, healthy lives. Understandably, it can be difficult brushing a pet’s teeth when it’s not accustomed to the jarring actions of someone shoving a flavored stick in its mouth.

Not to worry. There are several tips and tricks to help keep a pet’s teeth clean without the hassle of wrestling to brush them.

VetzLife Oral Care Gel is easy to use and comes in several flavors. Simply place some gel on a pet toothbrush, thick sock or finger toothbrush, swipe once on each side of the mouth and done. The dog or cat will do the work by licking the gel around their mouth, where the gel will break down any plaque and tartar. Getting a little bit in the mouth at least once a day or once every other day is a win.

Dog Breath, by ánímalEO, is a canine-only essential oil. Place a few drops either on a finger or directly on the dog’s gums once a day. It’s simple, easy and tastes good, and a quick dropper allows for minimal drops at a time without risk of spillage.

A raw-food diet has infinite benefits for a dog’s overall health. Kibble has been cooked so much that many starches and carbs stick to the teeth, causing plaque to form. Raw food has extra moisture so food slides off the teeth, significantly reducing formation of the plaque that causes bad breath.

Water additives are excellent for improving bad breath and cleaning the teeth, all while a pet drinks their bowl of water. Put a few drops in the water, and the pet does the rest of the work.

Non-Anesthetic Dental Cleanings (NAD) are excellent alternatives for pets with heart conditions or sensitivity to anesthesia, senior pets and routine care.

The main obstacle to cleaning a pet’s teeth is just getting inside the mouth. Small steps lead to big results over time, so be patient and keep at it. Taking care of our pets’ teeth helps ensure they’ll keep them for the rest of their lives.

Dr. Gerald Buchoff is a veterinarian with Holistic Pet Care, located at 125 Paterson Ave., Little Falls, NJ. Holistic Pet Care provides comprehensive vet care including wellness, alternative therapies, bio-nutritional extensive therapies, surgery and exotic pet care. Non-anesthetic dental (NAD) is provided through Houndstooth Pet Dental. A prior visit/consultation is necessary to determine if a pet is a good candidate for NAD. For more information, visit HolisticPetCareNJ.com.