North Country Veterinary Clinic & 4Paws Pet Resort

04/23/2026

OWNER FOUND!!
Thank you

04/13/2026

03/10/2026

Parasites don’t take a season off—and neither should protection. 🐾 Keep your Dog covered year-round with trusted prevention that helps stop fleas, ticks and worms before they start.
👉 Shop now at https://northcountryvetclinic.myvetstoreonline.pharmacy/shop

02/24/2026

February Newsletter: How to Reduce Dental Anxiety in Pets

How to Reduce Dental Anxiety in Pets

Oral hygiene is one of the most important aspects of pet care, but also one of the most challenging. Dental anxiety, a common issue in pets, may make toothbrushing an ordeal for both of you. Following these suggestions could turn dental care into a more positive experience.

Start Slowly

If your pet has never received home dental care, the first oral hygiene session can be confusing and stressful. Your dog or cat isn't likely to be cooperative if you pry open its jaws and force a toothbrush into its mouth. A gradual approach to toothbrushing is a much better strategy.

Breaking up the process into several steps may make brushing easier. Practice each step daily for a week or two before moving on to the next step.

Touch Your Pet's Face and Mouth
Lift Your Pet's Upper Lip
Gently Touch the Teeth and Gums
Rub the Teeth and Gums with a Piece of Gauze or a Finger Brush
Place a Small Amount of Pet Toothpaste on a Toothbrush, and Briefly Hold the Toothbrush Against Your Pet's Teeth
Brush a Few Teeth at a Time, Gradually Increasing the Length of Brushing Sessions as Your Pet Becomes More Comfortable
You don't need to brush all the teeth at the same time. Until your pet gets used to toothbrushing, you may only be able to brush a few teeth at a time. If your pet doesn't like the toothbrush, continue to use a finger brush instead.

Perfect Your Brushing Technique

Choosing the right toothbrush is an important step in stress-free pet dental care. Human adult toothbrushes may be too big for your pet's mouth. Buy a pet toothbrush or a soft child's brush instead.

Don't overload the brush with toothpaste. "More is better" may apply to many things, but not to toothpaste. You'll only need to add a pea-sized amount of pet toothpaste to a pet toothbrush or finger brush.

Use toothpaste intended for pets. Human toothpaste may contain ingredients toxic to pets or might upset your pet's stomach and cause digestive issues.

Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle when you brush. Brushing too hard could irritate the gums and cause anxiety in future brushing sessions. The Colorado State University James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital notes that flared or flattened toothbrush bristles may mean you're applying too much pressure to the teeth.

Use Rewards

Rewards create a positive experience and help your pet understand that cooperating with toothbrushing has benefits. Treats may make dental care more appealing, but they aren't the only type of reward you can offer. After dental care sessions, you might also:

Offer Praise
Take Your Pet for a Walk
Play a Favorite Game with Your Pet
Provide Special Toys
Pick the Perfect Time

Dental care sessions may be more productive if you schedule them when your furry friend is most likely to be calm, such as after a walk, play time, or a meal. Brush your pet's teeth in a quiet place far from any distractions. Schedule dental care for the same time every day if possible.

Talk to Your Veterinarian

If your pet still has dental anxiety, your veterinarian can help by suggesting strategies and techniques that may make brushing easier. Your veterinarian may also recommend dental chews or other products that don't replace toothbrushing but help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

In addition to home dental care, yearly professional cleanings performed by your veterinarian will help your pet avoid tooth and gum problems. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. Although brushing reduces plaque and limits tartar formation, it won't prevent it entirely. Plaque and tartar buildup can cause periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to tooth loss and painful gum infections that can spread to organs.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, most dogs and cats will have some degree of periodontal disease by age three.

Do you have questions about your pet's dental care or need to schedule a dental cleaning? Contact our office to share your concerns or make an appointment.

Sources:

Colorado State University James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital: How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth, 7/12/2023

https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/vth/animal-health/how-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth

American Veterinary Medical Association: Pet Dental Care

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pet-dental-care

PetMD: How to Brush Cat’s Teeth, 6/5/2025

https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/how-to-brush-cats-teeth

American Kennel Club: How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth and Why It’s So Important, 6/6/2024

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-brush-dog-teeth/

12/30/2025

Happy Holidays from the staff at North Country Veterinary Clinic and 4Paws Pet Resort! Wishing you and your furry family a season of joy and a healthy New Year. Just a reminder we will be closed December 31st and January 1st. Back open with normal business hours on January 2nd. Emergency services available

10/30/2025

Help keep your 4 legged companion save this Halloween. Chocolate or xylitol (a common sugar substitute used in sugar-free candy or gum) can be toxic and even lethal to pets. If they happen to help themselves into your candy bowl, please call your vet and/or poison control as soon as possible. Here are some of the cute critters we have seen over the last week!

09/16/2025

Have you seen Sunny? He is missing from the Hwy 70 area west of Fifield. Please contact his owner or this clinic if found. He is missed dearly (757) 619-4260 owner 715-762-2079 Vet Clinic

09/09/2025

Immediate Openings Available!
Please submit resumes to [email protected].

07/17/2025

Come join our Team!
Submit resume to [email protected]

04/11/2025

It's spring in the Northwoods which means warmer temperatures, but it also brings the ticks out! Protect you dog with an all-in-one tablet that protects against fleas, ticks, and heartworms as well as intestinal parasites all in one convenient pill! There are great rebates available with multiple dose purchases (at least 6) so stop in and pick yours up! Your dog is worth it!