Vet Recommended Dental Care for Dogs and Cats: Dr Kelly’s Guide
Knowing how to best care for your pet’s dental health can feel confusing at times, especially with so much mixed advice and so many products on the market that all promise the same thing, but do not always deliver.
We want every pet parent to feel supported and confident when it comes to their pet’s dental health. That is why, with the help of Dr Kelly from Bentons Road Veterinary Clinic, we have created a simple and supportive guide to dental care for dogs and cats, bringing together her expert insights and advice.
With the right knowledge and a consistent daily routine, you can support your pet’s oral health in a way that feels easy, effective, and sustainable.
Dr Kelly shares what she sees every day in her clinic, provides insight into what to look out for, and explains how vet recommended dental care for dogs and cats can fit seamlessly into your pet’s routine.
Dental disease is easy to overlook, and that is okay
Dental disease is one of the most common health conditions seen in dogs and cats across Australia, yet many of the early signs are subtle and easy to miss.
In fact, studies show that up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by the age of 3, Australian Veterinary Association (AVA). Dr Kelly sees dental disease “far too often, and it usually starts long before pet parents realise.”
This is not about blame. It simply highlights how quietly and quickly dental disease can develop.
As Dr Kelly notes:
“It’s really easy to miss the signs of dental disease. You’ve got to look really, really closely.”
That is why small, regular check-ins at home can make such a difference.
Dr Kelly’s at home check-in guide
For dogs:
“I recommend you get in the habit of actually opening up the lip and looking at your dog’s teeth and gums for any discolouration or red gums, which is gingivitis.”
Even subtle changes in behaviour can offer helpful clues, like “Noticing subtle changes in their eating behaviour or if they’re chewing on one side of the mouth”.
For cats:
“If your cat’s breath is smelling really bad — maybe a bit fishy, a bit stinky — it’s time to go and see the vet straight away. The most common cause of smelly breath in cats is dental disease, and that can be really serious.”
Common signs to look out for in dogs and cats
- Strong, unusual smelling breath
- Yellow or brown build-up on teeth
- Red or inflamed gums
- Changes in eating behaviour
- Dropping food or eating more slowly
- Changes in mood or energy
What vets look for in dental care (and why ingredients matter)
Vets are trained to look beyond marketing claims and focus on what truly supports oral health.
Many dental products promise results, but are often filled with grains, fillers, and artificial ingredients that do not actively support the removal of plaque, tartar, or their overall wellbeing.
As Dr Kelly puts it:
“We want to provide mechanical cleaning of the teeth through gentle abrasion”
“We want safe and natural ingredients.”
This is exactly what Bell & Bone was built around.
As Dr Kelly shares:
“With Bell & Bone, you’re not just cleaning teeth, you’re preventing disease and protecting your pet’s health from the inside out.”
Shop vet recommended dental care for dogs and cats, made simple.
👉 Dental Sticks for Dogs
👉 Dental Bites for Cats
👉 Dental Toppers for Dogs and Cats
A simple daily routine for a healthier, happier pet
Dental care does not need to feel overwhelming. In fact, the most effective routines are often the simplest.
A consistent daily approach can support fresher breath, healthier gums, and overall wellbeing.
Bell and Bone’s vet recommended dental care for dogs and cats is designed to support and help prevent dental disease through one easy, daily routine.
For dogs
Dental Sticks
Designed for puppy, adult, and senior life stages, made with real meat as the first ingredient and active ingredients clinically proven to help reduce plaque and tartar. Gentle chewing helps scrape away build-up, while the delicious taste keeps dogs excited for their daily routine.
For cats
Dental Bites
Made with up to 40% real protein and active ingredients clinically proven to help reduce plaque and tartar. The mix of a crunchy and chewy texture supports daily dental care, while the irresistible taste keeps even the most curious critics coming back.
For both dogs and cats
Tri-biotic Dental Topper
An easy, fuss free addition to your pet’s routine and “something you can easily add to their food every day,” as Dr Kelly shares.
It helps break down, reduce, and prevent future plaque and tartar build up, thanks to our unique tribiotic blend of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics.
Together, our vet recommended Dental Sticks, Dental Bites and Dental Topper create a simple, but effective routine that supports your pet’s long term oral and overall health.
👉 Build Your Dog’s Dental Routine
👉 Build Your Cat’s Dental Routine
Building your pet’s dental routine
Consistency is key when it comes to dental care for dogs and cats in Australia.
Your pet’s daily dental routine can be simple and effective:
Small habits like these can build over time into meaningful long-term health benefits.
👉 Shop the full Bell and Bone dental range
When to seek advice from your vet
At home dental care and regular check-ins play an important role, but professional support is just as important when needed.
To ensure your pet is always supported, regular vet visits are recommended, especially if you notice any of the following:
- Persistent bad breath, even with a dental routine
- Visible tartar build-up
- Red or bleeding gums
- Difficulty eating
- Broken or damaged teeth
- Noticeable changes in behaviour
Your vet can assess your pet’s oral health and guide you on the best next steps, including how to refine your home routine.
Early support often leads to simpler care and better outcomes.
You’ve got this. And we’ve got you 💜
Caring for your pet’s dental health can be a small, everyday routine that makes a big difference over time.
And you are not expected to do it alone.
We created Bell & Bone alongside industry experts like Dr Kelly to make vet recommended dental care for dogs and cats simple, accessible, and genuinely effective.
Because when dental care becomes part of your daily routine, it supports more than just teeth. It supports their comfort, happiness, and overall wellbeing.
That’s why Bell & Bone is trusted by vets and loved by pets 🐾💜
Start their daily dental routine here:
👉 Shop Vet Recommended Dental Care for Dogs
👉 Shop Vet Recommended Dental Care for Cats
Dog and Cat Dental Care FAQs
What is the best dental care routine for dogs and cats in Australia?
The Australian Veterinary Association recommends combining daily dental treats or chews with regular tooth brushing and annual professional vet checks. For dogs, Bell & Bone Dental Sticks provide gentle mechanical cleaning through chewing. For cats, Bell & Bone Cat Dental Bites are designed for even the most discerning feline. Both are a practical, vet recommended starting point for any at-home routine.
How do I care for my dog's or cat's teeth at home?
Daily dental treats help reduce plaque through chewing for both dogs and cats. Bell & Bone Dental Sticks for dogs and Bell & Bone Dental Bites for cats are designed to support this. Brushing with a pet-specific toothpaste is also recommended by vets where your pet tolerates it. Because cats in particular tend to hide dental pain, pairing daily treats with regular vet visits is especially important for them.
How often should I give my dog or cat dental treats?
Most vets recommend daily dental treats for best results — for both dogs and cats. Daily chewing disrupts plaque before it can harden into tartar, and consistency is what makes the difference over time. Giving treats a few times a week is significantly less effective than building a daily habit. Shop dental treats by life stage.
When should I take my dog or cat to the vet for a dental check?
The AVA recommends annual dental checks as part of routine preventive health care for both dogs and cats. Book an earlier appointment if you notice persistent bad breath, visible tartar, red or bleeding gums, changes in eating behaviour, or your pet pawing at their mouth. Cats in particular often conceal dental pain, making regular professional checks especially important — even if everything looks fine at home.
What is the difference between dental treats and a dental topper for dogs and cats?
Dental treats like Dental Sticks (dogs) and Dental Bites (cats) work through mechanical chewing action, helping to physically remove plaque from tooth surfaces. A Dental Topper works differently — it is a spray added to your pet's food that supports the oral microbiome using a triobiotic blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. Used together, they provide a more complete approach to dental health for both dogs and cats.
What are the early signs of dental disease in dogs and cats?
Early signs in both dogs and cats include bad breath, yellow or brown build-up on teeth, and red or swollen gums. Dogs may chew on one side of the mouth, drop food, or eat more slowly. Cats are more likely to hide discomfort — watch for reduced appetite, pawing at the face, or a sudden change in mood or behaviour. Studies show that up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by the age of three, often before pet parents are aware.
Can dental treats replace brushing for dogs and cats?
Dental treats are not a direct replacement for brushing, but they are a highly practical and effective daily complement — particularly for pets who do not tolerate a toothbrush. For many dogs and cats, a combination of daily dental treats and a dental topper provides meaningful protection against plaque and tartar. Brushing remains the gold standard where your pet will accept it, but a consistent daily treat routine is far better than no routine at all.
Are Bell & Bone dental treats suitable for both dogs and cats?
Yes — Bell & Bone has dedicated dental products for both. Dental Sticks are available for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs. Dental Bites are designed specifically for cats. Both ranges use real meat as the first ingredient, are grain-free, and contain active ingredients to help reduce plaque and tartar. The Tribiotic Dental Topper is suitable for both dogs and cats and can be added to any meal.
