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Do you know that nearly 80% of dogs over three have some form of dental disease?
Thats a lot of bad breath!
As a vet and a dog owner, I know how important your furry friends health is to you.
Regular teeth brushing is one of the best ways to keep their mouth healthy and their smile bright.
If you arent sure how to get started or have a pup who hates the process, dont worry.
The information provided herein is for informational purposes only.
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Why Should You Brush Your Dogs Teeth?
This buildup leads togingivitis, an inflammation of the gums.
When and How Often Should You Brush?
If thats not possible, brushing at leastthree times weeklycan significantly reduce tartar buildup.
Like us, dogs can develop tartar and gum disease if their teeth arent brushed regularly.
Lets see how to introduce your furry friend to the world of dog dental hygiene!
Start by getting them used to the special tools.
Popular pet toothpaste flavors include poultry, peanut butter, and even beef!
Making it a Positive Experience
Start slow and make it a fun experience!
This positive reinforcement is critical to helping your dog associate teeth brushing with good things.
This gets them used to the taste and texture.
This helps your dog get accustomed to your touch around their mouth.
Start by gently lifting your dogs lips.
Focus on the big cheek teeth and the long, pointy canines.
This is where plaque tends to show up first.
You may need to open your dogs mouth slightly to tackle the lower or back teeth.
Tilt their head gently backward while holding onto the upper jaw for stability.
Angle the brush at a 45-degree angle, directing it toward the gum line.
Then, brush gently in a back-and-forth motion, focusing on the outer surfaces of the teeth.
If your furry friend tolerates it, try brushing the insides of their teeth as well.
Brushing Frequency
You should brush your dogs teeth daily to keep plaque and tartar at bay.
But, if daily brushing isnt feasible, aiming for every other day is still an excellent start.
Consistency is essential for forming a good dental care routine.
As your dog becomes more comfortable, you’re able to naturally work up to brushing more frequently.
After Brushing
Offer your dog lots of praise and a special treat for a well-done job!
And let them have a nice drink of water to rinse away any remaining toothpaste.
Start with a finger brush or gauze wrapped around your finger.
These options can sometimes feel less intimidating to dogs.
Dental Problems
Keep a watchful eye out for signs of dental trouble in your dog.
Red or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath (doggy breath shouldnt be super intense!
), or loose teeth are all red flags.
If you notice any of these concerning signs, schedule a check-up with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
They may recommend professional dental cleanings to remove stubborn buildup and keep your dogs teeth in tip-top shape.
FAQ
Are dental chews and treats effective alternatives?
Dental chews and treats can be valuable tools for your dogs dental health.
But remember, not all chews are created equal.
If your dog is a speed-eater, those treats will disappear in seconds, offering minimal dental benefits.
For optimal effectiveness, a dental treat should take your dog 5-10 minutes to consume.
Consider choosing a larger treat, and be sure to supervise your dog to prevent choking hazards.
And, of course, adjust their regular food intake to make up for those treat calories!
What are risky chews to avoid?
Antlers, bones, and extremely hard chews pose a serious risk to yourdogs teeth.
Hard chews can cause painful tooth fractures or even become lodged in your dogs mouth.
While dogs may love them, the potential harm far outweighs any enjoyment.
I often say these chews are more of a liability than a treat.
