Article posted: 1/19/2013 5:00 AM

Pets get their dander up when having teeth brushed

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A cat named Pepper gets her teeth brushed at her home by her owner, in Phoenix.

Associated Press

Veterinary technician Aubrey Mallory checks the teeth of a 6-week-old male pit bull mix named Kobe, in Vero Beach, Fla. Regular exams help spot bad breath, an early warning sign of pet dental disease.

Courtesy of the Humane Society of Vero Beach and I

A cat named Pepper sits near the toothpaste and brush after getting her teeth brushed at home in Phoenix.

Associated Press

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Dogs and cats can't brush, spit, gargle or floss on their own. So owners who want to avoid bad pet breath will need to lend a hand. "Brushing is the gold standard for good oral hygiene at home. It is very effective, but some dogs and more cats don't appreciate having something in their mouth," said Dr. Colin Harvey, a professor of surgery and dentistry.