Brushing Dogs’ Teeth: Why And How
Brushing dogs’ teeth is not done to give them good breath. Oral hygiene is essential for your pet’s health. Although most people are not aware of it, gum or periodontal disease is a common and very serious problem in dogs. However, brushing your dog’s teeth can prevent this.
Veterinarians estimate that 85 percent of dogs over the age of five suffer from periodontal disease, which develops when food particles and bacteria accumulate at the gum line and form soft deposits called plaque. Over time, the plaque turns into stone-hard tartar. If tartar is not removed from your dog’s teeth, the gums will become inflamed over time. As the inflamed gums begin to separate the shape of the teeth, more bacteria grow and make periodontal disease worse.
Dogs feel quite severe pain when they have periodontal disease. Many of your teeth can fall out and you can even get a bacterial infection that can spread through the bloodstream to the kidneys, liver, heart, or brain. Periodontal disease is irreversible, so now is a good time to start working on a regular oral care regimen for your dog. Prevention is the key to keeping you healthy and happy.
When to brush dogs’ teeth
It is ideal for dogs’ teeth to be brushed every day. However, if your schedule does not allow at least do it several times a week.
Smaller dogs and brachycephalic dog breeds with wide, flat, or short muzzles, such as pugs and bulldogs, may need more frequent brushing. Your teeth clench frequently, which causes a lot of plaque to build up and increases your risk of developing periodontal disease.
What do you need?
The brush you choose is essential. It should be like for you and your pet. In pet stores you can find a wide variety of toothbrushes for dogs. You can choose the best one suits you. Also there you can buy a toothpaste for your dog. In case these methods don’t work for you, the other option is to use a small clean gauze pad, wrap it around your thumb, and clean his teeth.
How to brush the teeth of dogs?
Your dog will probably feel a strange sensation when you want to poke in his mouth. You might get nervous at first. However, you can make brushing your teeth more enjoyable. For example, take it easy. Introduce the toothbrush in small steps so that your dog does not get confused and upset.
Teach your dog that good things always happen when he has his teeth brushed. That is, after you finish brushing, go for a walk or play a series of games using your favorite toys.
Before using the toothbrush and toothpaste, dip your finger in something your dog likes like chicken broth or peanut butter. Let your dog lick your finger. As he does so, he lifts his lips. Repeat this exercise twice a day for the first few weeks. Occasionally you can use a little toothpaste for dogs to get him used to its smell and taste.
When you notice that your dog is already comfortable feeling your fingers in his mouth, place one hand gently under his chin, letting the other support his head. Then put your other hand on the top of your dog’s muzzle, as if you were opening his mouth. When you notice that he is relaxed, introduce the toothbrush little by little and go brushing his teeth.
If your dog finds the toothbrush annoying, it is best to use a small gauze or to use the brushes that are usually placed on the fingers. The latter are quite effective in those dogs that tend to be somewhat restless.
In case you cannot brush your dog’s teeth, take him to the vet.
