Canine Teeth Cleaning – How to Do It
Dog teeth cleaning should be something which is done regularly as a part of your pet care routine. If possible, your dog’s teeth should be brushed daily, or 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 Your Dog
Dogs can get many of the same tooth, gum and mouth diseases as we can – and since your dog can’t tell you if they have a toothache, pet owners have to make sure to take care of their dog’s teeth. Left alone, a tooth infection can lead to more serious problems with their vital organs.
You dog’s diet has a real impact on their dental health. Dog food and treats which are fortified and made specifically to keep your dogs’ teeth in good shape are a healthy choice for your pet. While you can have your dogs’ teeth cleaned by your vet, this is very expensive and since your dog must be anesthetized for this to be done, can actually be dangerous for your pet! Professional cleaning should only be done in extreme cases.
Cleaning Your Dog’s Teeth
With patience and perseverance, you can get your dog to become comfortable with tooth brushing. You adult dog or puppy can learn to have their teeth brushed by using your finger and a canine favorite; peanut butter!
Your dog will lick your finger – this will let you start rubbing their teeth and gums. Be sure to offer plenty of praise while you do this. Soon, your dog will be used to this and you can move on to a finger wrapped in gauze. Rub the teeth and gums in a circular motion, just as you would with a toothbrush. When your pet becomes accustomed to this, you’re ready to move in to the real thing.
Never use toothpaste intended for humans on your dog as ingredients such as baking soda will upset their stomach. Also, dog toothpaste is specially formulated for their teeth and will have an appealing smell and taste to help make the process a bit easier. Start out by letting your dog lick a dollop of toothpaste off of the brush first, then use more to finally start brushing.
Lift your dogs’ 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 dogs’ back teeth, which are more susceptible to disease and decay.
Dog teeth cleaning should always be a happy, positive event. However, you will want to remain upbeat, but also low-key to keep your dog on the same wavelength and from becoming overly excited. Usually no more than one minute or so is long enough before your dog loses interest, but after practicing for a bit, you’ll find that that’s all it takes to keep your dog’s teeth clean, keeping them happy and healthy.
Canine teeth cleaning is imperative to dog health, and canine teeth cleaning can be done in several ways. Keep your dog’s teeth clean by brushing your dog’s teeth, by a healthy diet, and by adding a canine teeth cleaning agent to your dog’s drinking water. All can play a part in keeping your dog’s teeth healthy.
