Dog teeth cleaning should be something that is done regularly as a part of your pet care routine. If possible, your dog’s teeth should be brushed daily, or at least every other day. Dogs are just as susceptible as we are to tooth disease, so it is important to make sure that our dog’s teeth are kept clean and free of tartar.
Dental Health and Hygiene in Dogs
Dogs can be subject to the same diseases of the mouth, gums, and teeth as can their owners. Since your dog has no way of telling you that it has a toothache, dog owners must take care to look after the dental health of their dog. An untreated tooth infection can lead to very serious problems with your pet’s vital organs.
Your dog’s diet definitely has a direct effect on their dental health. Choosing foods and treats that are fortified and designed to keep their teeth and gums healthy is an easy way to carry out dental hygiene in your dog’s life. Although professional cleaning by a veterinarian is an option, this should only be considered in extreme cases – as unnecessarily having your dog anesthetized is not only expensive but also puts undue stress on your pet.
Getting Started with Dog Teeth Cleaning
With patience and perseverance, you can get your dog to become comfortable with tooth brushing. Your adult dog or puppy can learn to have their teeth brushed by using your finger and a canine favorite; peanut butter!
As your pet licks your finger and the peanut butter, begin rubbing the teeth and gums while offering plenty of praise. After a day or so of this, or as soon as your dog begins accepting this new process, use a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger and do the same thing as above. Rub the gauze around the teeth and gums using a circular motion as you would with the toothbrush. Once they are used to this, it’s time to introduce them to the real thing.
Don’t use toothpaste made for people – this will give your dog an upset stomach. Use dog toothpaste instead; these are designed to be appealing to dogs. Let your dog lick some off of the brush, then add more and start brushing.
Lift your dog’s gums so that you can reach their teeth, especially the canines. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle for the best result. This lets you clean the gums and teeth at the same time. Brush using a circular motion and don’t forget your dog’s back teeth, which are more susceptible to disease and decay.
Make dog tooth cleaning time a happy time for your dog. Stay calm so your dog won’t get too excited. It should only take about a minute a day for effective dog teeth cleaning and keep up their good health.
