Dog Teeth Problems
Cleaning your dog’s teeth may seem like a daunting task at first, but once it becomes routine, it will also become second nature. Keeping your canine friend’s teeth clean is an essential part of being a dog owner, and learning how to do it yourself will minimize or perhaps even eliminate the need for your veterinarian to do it. While cavities are quite rare in dogs, plaque does build up quickly and easily.
Dental problems in dogs are becoming an epidemic, so don’t ignore your dog’s oral health. It’s best to start the routine of cleaning your dog’s teeth when he or she is still a puppy, but don’t give up if your dog is older. Your friend may be a little less tolerant the older he gets, but if you take it slowly, you can be successful at cleaning your dog’s teeth, no matter what his age. Cleaning your dog’s teeth should be a daily routine, though cleaning them every other day is fine, too. Feeding your dog quality food and giving him lots of hard bones to chew on will keep his teeth much cleaner and healthier.
Dog Teeth Cleaning Technique and Tips
First, gather all the supplies you’ll need to clean your dog’s teeth so that they are all at hand. You may want to try a washcloth, a toothbrush, gauze or a rubber cap.
Begin in a Calm State of Mind
When you’re ready to begin cleaning your dog’s teeth, it’s crucial to start slowly, when he and you are both relaxed, try not to scare him. He won’t have much of an idea what’s going on at first, and you don’t want to restrain or frighten him too much. Try going through the motions of cleaning your dog’s teeth with your finger to show him that this won’t be painful and that there is nothing to be scared of.
Advance to a Toothbrush
After your dog is comfortable, either sitting or laying down, try to advance to a toothbrush. If a toothbrush will not work out for now, try a rubber cap with a nubby surface. These tools are like rubber toothbrushes that are placed on the top of your finger, and are much gentler than toothbrushes. Don’t use toothpaste until your dog is comfortable with a toothbrush, but before you start brushing your dog’s teeth with toothpaste, put some on your finger and let your dog smell and lick it. Since dog toothpastes come in flavors that are pleasant to them, he will probably enjoy it.
Circular Motion
Carefully lift your dog’s upper lip on one side and brush your dog’s teeth in a circular motion. Make sure to clean the gum line, and work all around the mouth, gently brushing each tooth. After the top teeth are clean, move on to the bottom teeth.
Scrape Down Gum Line
Use a scaling too to scrape down from your dog’s gum line toward the bottom of the tooth. Move the tool downward to prevent injury. When scraping the teeth, do it in small sessions that don’t last for more than a minute of two, and reward your dog with a crunchy biscuit or a bone afterwards.
Dog Teeth Cleaning Products
Remember to only use oral products that are designed for dogs. Human toothpaste is not edible, and your dog is not able to spit. There are a myriad of dental care products available for dogs that remove tartar, irritation, ringworm kill germs and prevent gum disease. It’s easy to find pastes, sprays and gels in all sorts of flavors including salmon, peppermint, vanilla, chicken and more. These toothpastes are formulated to be non-foaming and edible. Choose a toothbrush with a comfortable handle that will be appropriate for the size of your dog. Always go slowly and be gentle when cleaning your dog’s teeth, no matter what supplies you choose.
Did you like this article?
If you like this article and want to share it with friends we have made some cool buttons for you!
Share this article now!
Click here for all other social media.