The simple way to brush your dogs teeth
Just like people, dogs can have a variety of dental problems such as cavities, bad breath and plaque build up which can result in periodontal disease. With this in mind it is very important to maintain your dog’s dental health. Feeding your dog dry dog food and bones does help to keep your dog’s teeth healthier, but it is also important to brush their teeth as well to keep them from having dental problems.
If you’ve never brushed your dog’s teeth before, here are a few simple steps to follow to make this a pleasurable experience for you and your dog.
First of all, you will want to use an edible toothpaste that is made especially for dogs. Human toothpaste is not meant to be swallowed and dogs can’t spit. You will also need a soft bristled toothbrush. If your dog is hesitant about having his teeth brushed, you can start by letting him have a taste of the toothpaste. You can then run your finger along the gumline of the top teeth to give him an idea of what you are going to be doing. Next, take the toothbrush with toothpaste on it, and begin by brushing along the gumline working in a circular motion. Be sure to brush both the top and bottom teeth.
If your dog doesn’t seem to like having his teeth brushed at first, don’t force him. That will only make it an unpleasant experience for your dog and it will be harder to do the next time. If you can’t get all of his teeth brushed the first time, just get what you can and then each time you can get a little more done and within a short while, you can successfully brush all of his teeth at once. While you are brushing his teeth, talk to and praise him so he will know that this is a good thing for him and not a punishment.
While brushing your dog’s teeth, also be aware of very foul smelling breath which can be a sign of a loose tooth or an abscess. In that case you will need to take your dog to the veterinarian for treatment.
Good dental hygiene is as important for dogs as it is for humans. Routinely brushing your dog’s teeth and watching for signs of dental problems will help keep your dog healthy and happy.