Vanessa is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) with over 15 years of experience in animal care. She graduated from Sheridan College’s Animal Care program in 2003 and Seneca College’s Veterinary Technician program in 2007.

A lifelong animal lover, Vanessa has always been drawn to advocating for animal health and well-being. She’s especially passionate about client education and staying current in an ever-evolving veterinary field. Dental health in small animals became a key area of interest early in her career after working alongside a veterinarian pursuing board certification in animal dentistry an experience that shaped her deep appreciation for preventative oral care.

In 2023, Vanessa served on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT), further reinforcing her commitment to advancing the profession. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys music of all genres, reading, and spending time with her husband and her very spoiled (and very stubborn) pug, Cheech who also happens to be her daily work companion.

Introduction

February is Pet Oral Hygiene Month, but as any veterinary professional will tell you, dental care isn't a "once-a-year" task. To dig into the reality of what happens inside our dogs' mouths, we sat down with Vanessa, a Healthcare Lead and Vet Tech in the pet tech industry.

The conversation addressed everything from the "Golden Standard" of brushing to the hidden link between dental disease and heart health, here is everything you need to know about keeping your pet’s smile healthy.

The 48-Hour Rule: Why Daily Brushing is the "Golden Standard"

Barkus: We hear it all the time, but how much of an impact does daily brushing actually have?

Vanessa: It’s the absolute "Golden Standard." Think of plaque as a sticky, colorless biofilm of bacteria and food. If it isn't removed within 48 hours, minerals in the saliva crystallize that plaque into tartar (calculus). Once it hardens into tartar, you can’t brush it away, it requires a professional veterinary cleaning. Brushing daily is simply the first step in essential disease prevention.

The Red Flags: Signs You’re Missing

Barkus: What are the earliest signs of dental disease that pet parents often overlook?

Vanessa: Two things: Halitosis (bad breath) and Gingivitis (inflamed, red gums). These aren't just "dog breath" they are the first stage of periodontal disease. If you see a red line along the gum gallery, it’s time to take action.

The "Relaxed" Method: How to Brush When Your Dog Hates It

Barkus: For the pet parents whose dogs run away at the sight of a toothbrush, where do they start?

Vanessa: Don't start with the brush! Dogs thrive on routine and praise.

  • Step 1: The Massage. Start while cuddling on the couch. Massage their lips and cheeks from the outside.
  • Step 2: The Sniff Test. Let them sniff the brush with no toothpaste. When they show interest, reward them like they just "sat" or "stayed."
  • Step 3: The Outside Only. You don't need to brush the insides of the teeth; the tongue usually handles that. Focus on the outside surfaces and keep the sessions short and positive.

Pro Tip: Choose a time of day when everyone is relaxed, like right before bedtime.

It’s Never Too Late (But Call the Vet First)

Barkus: Is there an age where it becomes "too late" to start a routine?

Vanessa: It is never too late, but if your pet is over four years old, check with your vet first. If they already have moderate periodontal disease, their gums will be sore and may bleed. Brushing at that stage can be painful and actually spread bacteria into the bloodstream. A professional assessment under anesthesia might be the best "reset" before starting an at-home routine.

The Anatomy of a Better Brush

Barkus: From your experience in the clinic, what specific features should parents look for in a toothbrush? Does the tool itself actually make a difference?

Vanessa: It makes a huge difference. In my experience, ease of use is the biggest factor. If a tool is clunky or difficult to maneuver, the parent gets frustrated and the pet gets stressed.

I look for three specific things:

  • Ergonomics: It needs to fit in your hand well so you have control.
  • A Non-Intimidating Profile: It shouldn't look scary or bulky to the pet.
  • Soft, Gentle Bristles: These feel much better on the gums, especially if there is already some evidence of gingivitis beginning. You want a tool that cleans effectively without causing irritation.

Beyond the Brush: Chews, Diets, and the VOHC

Barkus: How do dental chews and water additives compare to actual brushing?

Vanessa: They are great add-ons, but they don't replace the physical action of brushing. When shopping, look for the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) Seal. This seal is only awarded to products proven to reduce plaque or tartar by at least 20%.

The "Snowball Effect" on Long-term Health

Barkus: Why is this so often overlooked, and what are the stakes?

Vanessa: You can’t "see" a mouth infection like you can a skin growth, so it goes unaddressed. But the stakes are high. Bacteria from the mouth can travel through the bloodstream and begin to affect internal organs like the heart and kidneys. It becomes a "snowball effect" unaddressed dental issues can lead to systemic health problems and expensive surgeries down the line.

We’re grateful to Vanessa for sharing her thoughtful insights and clinical perspective on canine dental health. Conversations like this remind us that prevention doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent. 

If there are a few core takeaways pet parents can carry forward, they’re these: 

Key Takeaways for Pet Parents:

  • Plaque turns to tartar in as little as 48 hours. Consistency truly matters.
  • Bad breath is a medical symptom, not a personality trait. It’s often the first sign that something needs attention.
  • Focus on the outside of the teeth. This is where plaque builds up the most and makes brushing more manageable.
  • Look for the VOHC seal when choosing dental treats to ensure they meet established standards for plaque and tartar control. 

At Barkus, we believe better health starts with better habits and better tools. If you’re looking to simplify your dog’s brushing routine, check out our 360° Toothbrush!