How To Brush Your
Dog's Teeth
Knowing how to brush your dog's teeth is vital to keeping your dog healthy since dog dental care is an important health factor.
Poor dental care can ultimately cause bacteria to enter your dog's bloodstream and lead to other health problems including heart, liver, and kidney disease.
How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth
Here is a simple step-by-step procedure that shows you how to brush your dog's teeth...
1. You need to have the following items on hand
- Pet toothbrush or a special sponge for cleaning your dog's teeth. Dog toothbrushes come in various sizes - small dog toothbrushes and large dog toothbrushes.
- Dog toothpaste. This is specially formulated for dogs, is pleasant to taste, and can be swallowed without upsetting your dog's stomach.
The best dog toothpaste to use or buy is one that comes in flavors your dog likes - beef or poultry.
Avoid using baking soda and salt as a toothpaste since dogs don't like their taste. Also, your own toothpaste is far too strong for a pet and tends to upset your dog's stomach since it is not meant to be swallowed.
2. If your dog isn't used to having its teeth brushed, first introduce your finger dipped in beef bouillon. Do this for several days for your dog to get used to the idea.
Then introduce the toothbrush with something your dog likes, such as peanut butter, on it.
Finally, introduce the toothbrush with the dog toothpaste on it. Let your dog sniff and lick it to get used to it. Rinse the toothbrush and add new toothpaste.
3. Gently lift your dog's lip and cheeks, hold the brush at a 45 degree angle, and brush the outsides of the upper and lower teeth. Brush back and forth or in a circular motion close to the gumline to remove plaque. Do both sides.
If this is the first time you have brushed your dog's teeth, do only a few teeth so your dog gets used to having its teeth brushed.
Make the experience as pleasurable as possible and give plenty of praise.
4. Be sure to concentrate on the back teeth since they are more prone to plaque accumulation.
5. Then brush the inside of the teeth, again paying attention to the back teeth. You may have to gently pull your dog's lower jaw down to do this.
6. Brush the upper and lower chewing surfaces as well.
7. Brush your dog's teeth as least once a week.
8. Make your puppy or dog's teeth cleaning experience as pleasant as possible.
If you have a puppy, start brushing its teeth as soon as its permanent teeth come in so that it gets used to having its teeth brushed.
9. Have your dog's teeth professionally cleaned by your vet once a year.
In addition to brushing your dog's teeth, provide your dog with crunchy dry food to scrape its teeth as well as dental chew toys to help keep your dog's teeth clean. Also, there are plaque-fighting rinses and solutions available.
Periodically check your dog for signs of periodontal disease including swollen gums, yellow teeth, bad breath, and difficulty chewing.
As well, be alert to aggressive behavior since periodontal disease can be painful and may lead to aggressiveness.
Since knowing how to brush your dog's teeth is an important health factor for your dog, consider consulting with your veterinarian about nutritional foods for your dog's teeth as well as cleaning products and techniques on how to brush your dog's teeth.
