Clean teeth can boost the health and happiness of your canine friend.
Your family will also reap the benefits, including a cleaner, fresher-smelling doggy mouth.
Here are some tips on caring for your dog's teeth.
1. Get your grooming gear
- Look for a toothbrush that's specifically designed for dogs. You might also find a finger brush helpful. Finger brushes fit over your fingers and offer more precision, but there’s always the possibility that your dog may accidentally bite down on your finger.
- Try out different toothpastes specifically made for dogs. Getting the right kind of toothpaste is one of the most important steps in making your dog enjoy the process, and makes the ordeal easier on you. Poultry flavoured toothpaste may be a hit with your pooch.
2. Choose the right time
- Choose an opportune time to begin the tooth-brushing. Think about trying to brush your dog's teeth right after they've run around or exercised; your dog will be less willing to fight you because they're more tired.
- Brushing your dog's teeth every day is ideal, and will stave off infections that may affect other parts of your dog's health. If you can't brush your dog's teeth every day, try for at least once a week.
- Smaller dogs, or those with short snouts, such as Shitsu or Bulldogs, require more frequent tooth-brushing because their teeth are jammed into a smaller space. This increases the likelihood of plaque and tartar build-up.
3. Get your dog used to your hand
The more often you brush your dog's teeth, the more often they'll get accustomed to your hands in and around their mouth. This will make it easier to brush their teeth over time. Get your puppy to become accustomed to hands in his mouth. Try this slowly, especially if (s)he is aggressive. Do it slowly, ideally with another friend or family member by your side petting and pacifying your dog.
4. Show the toothbrush to your dog
Most dogs need to inspect the toothbrush before allowing you to put it in their mouth. While showing it to your dog, tell him/her what it is for.
5. Gently brush without toothpaste
Let your dog get used to the feeling of the toothbrush in their mouth first. The canine tooth, the longest tooth on either side of the front four teeth, is the easiest tooth to reach. Carefully lift the lip and insert the toothbrush. Next gently brush that one tooth to gauge how well your dog will take to this brushing procedure.
6. Let your pooch taste the toothpaste
Let your dog lick some toothpaste off your finger. This is a good way to introduce the dog to what you'll be using. Even older dogs can learn this way, and it very well could whet their appetite.
7. Get brushing
Once you've brushed a couple teeth and let your dog taste the toothpaste, add toothpaste to your brush. Again, do not use human toothpaste; this will make your dog sick. Use toothpaste for dogs; many come in attractive flavours, like beef or chicken.
8. Brushing the gums
Rub the dog's gums on both sides and in the front to let them get used to the sensation, then gently brush the gum line around all the teeth. Encourage and speak gently to him or her. Do a little at a time.
Image via Pinterest.
